KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The BlueCross Healthy Place at Highland Park in Chattanooga is now open.
- The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation invested $5 million in the space, including $4.2 million to build it out and $840,000 in a maintenance fund.
- The space will be shared by students from Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, Chattanooga Preparatory School, Montessori Elementary at Highland Park and residents of the Highland Park neighborhood.
On Monday, May 10, representatives of the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation joined staff and students from Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy (CGLA) and Chattanooga Preparatory School, along with Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, to celebrate the opening of the BlueCross Healthy Place at Highland Park. The ceremony was held in accordance with local COVID-19 guidelines for outdoor events.
Highland Park was selected in response to a proposal organized by the Young Women’s Leadership Academy Foundation, and the project is the first BlueCross Healthy Place in the Chattanooga area. The space sits on land owned by the foundation and is situated near both schools.
The BlueCross Foundation has invested $5 million in the project , including $4.2 million to build out the space and $840,000 for a maintenance fund.
“We’re so appreciative of this grant from the BlueCross Foundation and this new BlueCross Healthy Place,” said Dr. Elaine Swafford, chief executive officer of CGLA. “The kids are excited, and the space will be great for bringing the community together.”
Brad Scott, chief executive officer of Chattanooga Prep, echoed that sentiment. “This space is going to have a huge impact on our programming and our boys’ lives,” he said.
Fun for all
The new BlueCross Healthy Place has a variety of features for students and community members of all ages and abilities.
Amenities in the space include:
- Accessible play areas for children ages 2-5 and 5-12 with ramp access, ground-level play and a soft rubber safety surface
- Challenge course with obstacles and a precision timing system
- Fitness station with equipment for aerobic fitness, core fitness and balance
- Sports field with amphitheater seating for school soccer games and local community games
- Tennis and basketball courts
- Walking track
- Pavilion with picnic tables for school and community gatherings
The completed space will be shared by the schools and the Highland Park community. Access hours for residents are:
- Weekdays – Open to the public sunrise to 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to sunset
- Weekends/school breaks – Open to the public sunrise to sunset
Community members can schedule team play/practice and events by contacting CGLA at 423-702-7230.
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