Paris, Tenn.–In between downpours, city, county officials and other dignitaries gathered this morning for the ribbon-cutting which officially opened the BlueCross Healthy Place playground at the Eiffel Tower Park in Paris.
Scott Wilson, Vice President of Community Relations for BlueCross Tennessee, praised local officials for achieving construction of the playground in record time. Paris is the first of 10 communities which recently received playground grants to construct theirs and Wilson said, “Your team made it happen.”
Chelsea Johnson, Director of the BlueCross Foundation, said, “We hope you use it and wear it out and we can use our maintenance fund to support its continued use.”
Even though the playground was officially opened today, it has been used by local children and adults since its completion a couple of weeks ago.
Paris Parks and Recreation Director Tony Lawrence told BlueCross officials the playground is a popular destination and is in use day and night.
City Mayor Carlton Gerrell and City Manager Kim Foster told BlueCross officials how much the grant is appreciated and how it has enhanced the Eiffel Tower Park, which already boasts the Splash Park, municipal pool with water features, walking and biking trails, disc golf, pickle ball and tennis, and of course, the 60 foot Eiffel Tower that glows ever-changing colors at night.
The new playground, which was provided through grant from BlueCross, is 100 percent handicap-accessible. It provides over 14,000 square feet of state-of-the-art outdoor recreational and fitness space for Paris residents and guests. Surrounded by a parent walking trail, the space includes sensory features, a play area, swing sets, free-standing and climbing elements, and a fitness station.
Photo by Shannon McFarlin.