Erwin breaks ground on $7.3M Fishery Park renovation

Erwin has invested in play, health and connection with a $7.3M Fishery Park renovation funded by BlueCross Healthy Place.On Nov. 20, Erwin broke ground at Fishery Park following a $7.3 million grant funded by the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation to create a space for recreation, wellness and community connection.The program creates and revitalizes spaces across Tennessee to bring neighbors together for healthy activity. The Fishery Park project comes as the town continues to recover from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The redevelopment will include a basketball court, new field, sidewalk trail connectors, amphitheater stage, improved baseball and sand volleyball courts, splash pad, play pockets, outdoor fitness equipment, dog park and shelters with shade structures."Our goal with the BlueCross Healthy Place program has always been to bring people together in communities of all sizes across our state," said Chelsea Johnson, director of community relations at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee in a statement. "We are proud to partner with the Town of Erwin on the Fishery Park project and to support the community's next chapter."Tim Bailey, Erwin town recorder, described the project as the fulfillment of a long-held vision."My vision for Fishery Park began in 2019 with the goal of creating a vibrant, inclusive space where families, individuals and visitors could connect with nature, enjoy recreational opportunities and build community," he said. "Despite the setbacks and challenges brought on by Hurricane Helene, our community has remained committed to revitalizing this cherished space.With the BlueCross Healthy Place funding, we have the opportunity to fully realize the vision that began years ago, creating a space that not only recovers from adversity but thrives as a hub for health, wellness and community connection."Lottie Ryans, director of workforce development and literacy with the First Tennessee Development District and BlueCross board member, noted the broader impact of the program."While there are many ways BlueCross lives the mission, a very tangible and visible way is through the BlueCross Healthy Places program, the signature cause of our foundation adopted in 2018," she said. "To date, we've invested $70 million in 28 projects across Tennessee. The space will benefit local residents and will help bring people together through a new kind of shared experience.We hope the BlueCross Healthy Place at Fishery Park will serve as a vibrant hub for wellness, recreation and connection, and there's one more testament to the vision and resilience of this community. This revitalized space will serve generations to come, strengthening the bonds that make Erwin such a special place to call home."Alderwoman Angie Vaughn highlighted the significance of the grant funding."This grant is worth $7.2 million, $6 million is going to park upgrades and $1.2 for maintenance and upkeep," she said. "This grant is larger than our $5.7 million town budget. What a blessing. We received this grant after Hurricane Helene devastated our town. In the midst of that hardship, this grant represents the very heart of Blue Cross and Blue Shield. You recognize our pain in our community, what we've endured and made an investment to help us heal, rebuild and move forward together."Vaughn also recognized the groundwork laid by previous town leadership and the community now."It began under the leadership of the 2020 Board of Mayor and Aldermen, with Doris Hensley as mayor and the Economic Development Board under Lee Brown. Also a part of that group was Jeremy Rice, Tyler Engle, Tim Bailey and Marlon Hensley. Their vision to improve Fishery Park is the foundation for this blessing that we're celebrating today.This achievement was not the work of one person, but the result of a true effort. I want to sincerely thank those who helped write and prepare the grant. Today, we celebrate not only the success of this grant, but the spirit of unity, resilience and gratitude that defines our community."