Kingsport, Tennessee officials drum up community engagement on the future of its recreational spaces. Kingsport, rolling out the welcome mat for public opinion, has announced two meetings aimed at gathering community input on upcoming renovations at Bays Mountain Park, and Brickyard Park—developments made possible in part by seeking a grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The town is playing host to these brainstorming powwows scheduled for March 10 and March 14—where citizens can air their views and snack on the dime of the city hall. Those discussions, a mandated step in securing the grant, would specifically tackle plans to make both parks more accessible and interactive, according to the City of Kingsport website. Granted, there's also a strategic play at work here: bringing the community closer through better-shared spaces.
On the drawing board for Bays Mountain Park is a new ADA-compliant path that will meander toward the Pavilion/Barge area, and a habitat for bobcats that's accessible to all. Park Manager Megan Krager, shared her vision noting, "Through these renovations, Bays Mountain Park seeks to not only improve infrastructure but also promote inclusivity and environmental education, fostering a stronger connection between the community and the natural world."
As for Brickyard Park, plans include turfing the infields of the baseball/softball complex, whipping up a pedal park for cyclists, and building a multipurpose area adjacent to the existing Miracle/Bluecross Blueshield playground—complete with ADA parking, and sidewalks. "These improvements aim to provide unique recreational opportunities for bikers of all skills levels while ensuring accessibility for all visitors, ultimately enhancing the overall experience at Brickyard Park," Kingsport Parks and Recreation Manager Kitty Frazier stated, shining a light on the city's commitment to recreation and inclusion.
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