Representatives from the Chattanooga Airport, the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation and local officials recently gathered to break ground on the new BlueCross Healthy Place at the Chattanooga Airport.
The space, located opposite the airport’s runways, will benefit aviation enthusiasts, as well as residents of the city’s Shepherd, Brainerd, Brainerd Hills and Woodmore neighborhoods. The BlueCross Foundation’s investment will add: custom aviation-themed play area, lawn/observation area, parking lot, benches and picnic tables, and landscaping.
“Restoring a dedicated observation area at the Chattanooga Airport is deeply meaningful to us–it honors a beloved tradition and brings back a long-missed connection between our community and the magic of aviation,” said April Cameron, Chattanooga Airport president and CEO. “This new space will give families, students and aviation enthusiasts a front-row seat to the excitement of flight, while providing a peaceful place to gather.”
Established in 2018, the BlueCross Healthy Place program creates and revitalizes public spaces that encourage neighbors to come together, connect with one another and enjoy healthy activity. Since the program launched, its open parks have received more than 3 million visits.
“Our goal with the BlueCross Healthy Place program has always been to bring people together, in communities of all sizes, all across our state,” said Dalya Qualls White, executive director of the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation. “We’re excited to partner with the Chattanooga Airport on a space that will benefit area residents and support the airport’s growth and impact on our region.”
To date, the BlueCross Foundation has invested $70 million in BlueCross Healthy Place projects across the state. There are now 28 projects open or in progress statewide with more on the way. The Foundation has a self-sustaining endowment, and no premium dollars paid for members’ plans are used to fund BlueCross Healthy Place projects.