by: Matthew Lane
Communications Specialist
City of Kingsport

The City of Kingsport is excited to announce it has received a $2.9 million Local Parks and Recreation Fund grant from the State of Tennessee. The funds will go towards improvements at Bays Mountain Park and the Brickyard Complex.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced the awarding of $21 million in grants to 27 communities across the state on August 15.

“These dollars will go a long way in making key improvements to two of our most popular facilities and we believe the public will be excited to see the finished product,” said Assistant City Manager Michael Borders. “This grant would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, our legislators, the Bays Mountain Park Commission, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, our staff, TDEC, and the unwavering support of our citizens.”

Kingsport will match the $2.9 million grant with $1.6 million in sponsor funds and $1.3 million in city funds to make more than $5.8 million in the following improvements over the next three years.

• Bays Mountain Park – Arrival and entry walk into the Nature Center, an expanded and ADA accessible Kid’s Cave on the lower level, event terrace facing the lake and a new otter habitat.
• Brickyard Complex – The development of bike trails to include a skills area and natural surface trails and the construction of a lighted parking lot expansion and ADA connections.

"Our family believes we should be good stewards with all we've been given and what better way to do that then to support the Bays Mountain Park,” said Laura Rogers with the James and Laura Rogers Foundation. “It is a blessing that the state has partnered with us in this endeavor."

Bays Mountain Park has seen more than $2.5 million in private investment since the 50^th anniversary in 2021.

“The Kingsport Community Foundation is proud to partner with Bays Mountain Park to support their ‘Join the Adventure’ campaign. We view the State of Tennessee’s grant funding as further evidence of what we all know to be true – Bays Mountain Park is a true treasure for our region,” said Greg Perdue, Chair of the Kingsport Community Foundation. “By partnering with the East Tennessee Foundation to facilitate this capital campaign, these funds, along with support from other private and public partnerships, will ensure that the park remains a critical asset in our community for generations to come.”

"It's a great day for Bays Mountain Park and the City of Kingsport,” said Russ Brogden, chair of the Bays Mountain Park Commission. “We've been actively working on a long-range Park Improvement Plan to take a fantastic park and make it world class in every respect. This state grant will allow us to make a major leap forward on these plans."

“Bays Mountain Park has always been a special place and I’m glad the needed monies were provided to complete the necessary projects and improvements,” said State Rep. Bud Hulsey.

“We are so blessed to have amazing local parks in our community, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact these renovations have on the city,” said State Rep. Timothy Hill. “Congratulations to Kingsport city leaders for receiving this award and thank you TDEC for their investment.”

“Eastman Chemical Company could not be more excited about the renovations and improvements coming to Bays Mountain Park,” said Paula Bulcao, Director of Global Public Affairs with Eastman. “The park has been an integral part of our city for more than 50 years and these key enhancements will make it an even better destination for generations to come.”

“Bays Mountain is a unique and beloved asset of our city and region, and ECU is honored to be part of the revitalization efforts,” said Kelly Price, President and CEO of Eastman Credit Union. “Supporting this significant project ensures the preservation and longevity of a natural resource that our residents, children, and families will enjoy for years to come.”

“When we first heard of the plan to renovate and improve Bays Mountain Park, we immediately knew we wanted to be a part of the project,” said Charlotte Havely, Vice-President of Marketing at Knoxville TVA Employee Credit Union. “We’re excited about receiving the grant and we can’t wait to see finished product. It’s going to be amazing.”

“We’re excited to see more opportunities to grow our cycling community in Kingsport,” said Tony Williams, owner of Reedy Creek Bicycles. “All riders of any skill level will be able to utilize and enjoy these new additions.”

Kingsport began its first phase of Nature Center improvements in the fall of 2023 with work expected to wrap up later this year. Improvements included new flooring and lighting throughout the main floor gallery, an expanded gift shop, renovated employee offices and a new, more pronounced entrance to the planetarium.

In May, the Nature Center was rededicated as the Good Steward Nature Center to honor the lead donor – the James and Laura Rogers Foundation.

The Brickyard Complex, located off Industry Drive, is a 43-acre sports facility and community park that includes four ballfields, a Miracle League field, a fully accessible playground, state of the art pump track and the Scott Adams Memorial Skatepark.

For more information on Kingsport’s Parks and Recreation Department, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

About the City of Kingsport

Founded in 1917, the City of Kingsport (pop. 55,400) is located on the Tennessee-Virginia border at the crossroads of I-81 and I-26 near the geographic center of the eastern United States. The city is widely known as a planned community, designed by renowned city planner John Nolen and wrapping around the foot of Bays Mountain – a 3,750-acre park, nature preserve, planetarium and observatory. Kingsport is recognized as an International Safe Community by the National Safety Council, a Healthier Tennessee community, and won the 2009 Harvard Innovations in American Government Award for its higher education initiatives. While many city names are duplicated throughout the U.S., there’s only one Kingsport – a fact that invokes community pride, known locally as the “Kingsport Spirit.” For more information, please visit www.kingsporttn.gov.

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