BlueCross Healthy Place at Morningside Park

Background

East Knoxville is a historically diverse community just beyond downtown, where residents come together and share a strong sense of place. At the heart of this neighborhood is Morningside Park, a 36-acre green space that has played a central role in community life.

While building on its work to expand adaptive bike trails across Knoxville, the Legacy Parks Foundation identified a growing need for more inclusive parks and accessible outdoor experiences in the area. Recognizing both the park’s importance and its potential, the organization applied for a BlueCross Healthy Place grant to enhance Morningside’s amenities and broaden its impact on the health and well-being of residents.

Location

Morningside Park, Knoxville, TN

Goal

Create a welcoming, accessible destination at Morningside Park that supports health, wellness, and community connection in East Knoxville. The project will build on existing park assets to encourage active lifestyles, inclusive play, and engagement with nature, while serving as a vibrant hub for residents of all ages and abilities.

Outcomes

Over 109k visits since opening, with visitors averaging nearly three visits per person and staying about 50 minutes per visit.

The Result

The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation (BCBST) is dedicated to creating active, healthy places that bring communities together. At Morningside Park, the addition of a BlueCross Healthy Place significantly enhanced the park, introducing an accessible playground, sport and fitness stations, pavilion, and restrooms. These amenities create new opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to play, exercise, and gather, helping remove barriers to participation while strengthening community connections.

The Impact

Since opening, the BlueCross Healthy Place at Morningside Park has welcomed over 109k visitors, with guests returning nearly 3 times on average and staying around 50 minutes.

By integrating accessible features, the park supports intergenerational use, creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect while fostering a strong sense of belonging and ownership among residents. With the addition of shade in an area affected by high heat concentration, the park has become an inclusive and vibrant community hub.

Lasting Impact

Accessible! My sons are 7 and 5. The youngest is in a wheelchair. They were able to play together and independently! They had a wonderful time! – BlueCross Healthy Place Visitor