Middleton Celebrates Grand Opening of BlueCross Healthy Place at Middleton City Park
Residents of Middleton gathered on Monday, August 15, 2022, for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the BlueCross Healthy Place at Middleton City Park.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation announced earlier this year that Middleton City Park was one of three parks selected for its 2022 BlueCross Healthy Place projects.
“I think it (the park) will bring the community together. It is a place where kids can all come,” said Middleton Mayor Evan Mott, who noted small towns do not have a lot of options for children. “The park is just the beginning. We have a lot more to come. I want it to be welcoming to everybody, not just the citizens of Middleton. You can come from Bolivar, Walnut, wherever. It is a good and safe place.”
The City of Middleton applied for the BlueCross Healthy Place grant with the hope of improving equipment and access in the well-loved community space. The BlueCross Foundation has invested $863,245 in the project build and $170,649 in a maintenance fund, bringing the total investment to just over $1 million.
The BlueCross Healthy Place at Middleton City Park features a play area for children ages 2 – 5 and 5 – 12; a swing set; fitness stations for cardio, balance and strength workouts for adults; and a pavilion with picnic tables. Surveillance cameras have been placed around the park to promote safety in the area.
“Our playground equipment had become very outdated. Some of it was purchased shortly after the land was acquired in 1974,” said Jimmy Simpson, Middleton City Administrator. “It is so nice to have such a major upgrade after 48 years, and we are very appreciative to the BlueCross Healthy Place program.”
The BlueCross Healthy Place program provides communities across the state with spaces for connection and healthy activity. All BlueCross Healthy Places are free and open to the public.
The two other sites selected were Lawrenceburg Rotary Park in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee and Old Lake Road Park in Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee. Collectively, these projects represent a $3.1 million investment from the foundation. In addition to construction dollars, each project also has a maintenance fund to assist with ongoing care and upkeep of the space.
“We are excited to work with these communities to provide additional facilities and amenities for their residents,” said Chelsea Johnson, Director of the BlueCross Foundation. “I’m looking forward to watching these projects come to life and seeing how the BlueCross Healthy Place program continues to benefit Tennesseans.”
The BlueCross Healthy Place is located at Middleton City Park, 400 South Main Street, Middleton, Tennessee 38052.
The BlueCross Foundation is accepting proposals for 2023 funding through the end of August.
Read more local news by clicking here.
Do you have community news you’d like to share? E-mail us at news@hatchiepress.com.
Subscribe to Hatchie Press to stay informed on what’s happening in Hardeman County and the surrounding areas.
