Memphis Grand Reopening of BlueCross Healthy Place

Memphis, October 4, 2025

News Summary

Memphis will celebrate the grand reopening of the BlueCross Healthy Place at Founders Park with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and food from trucks. Located across from the National Civil Rights Museum, the revitalized park features themed zones and is designed for community gatherings. The $9.6 million refurbishment is supported by the BlueCross BlueShield Foundation of Tennessee. Following the festivities, Founders Park will be open 24/7 for public use, marking the first phase of a broader initiative that includes future developments at the museum.

Memphis to Host Grand Reopening of BlueCross Healthy Place at Founders Park

The National Civil Rights Museum and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation will hold a grand reopening for the BlueCross Healthy Place at Founders Park on Saturday, October 4, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This free community celebration will feature family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and complimentary food from food trucks, inviting all community members to join the festivities.

Located across from the National Civil Rights Museum, nestled between South Main and Mulberry Streets, the park has undergone a significant transformation during nearly two and a half years of renovations. The revitalized park is designed to be a vibrant space dedicated to reflecting, movement, and community gatherings. As a center of activity, visitors can engage in various events including yoga sessions, cultural performances, hands-on art activities, and balloon animals, catering to all ages.

Spanning about two-thirds of an acre, the BlueCross Healthy Place features themed zones, including a “Youth Zone” for arts and games. One key highlight of the park is the “Legacy Terrace”, which overlooks the historic Lorraine Motel, the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The refurbishment of the park has cost approximately $9.6 million, funded by the BlueCross BlueShield Foundation of Tennessee. This foundation has committed $78 million to 28 Healthy Place projects across the state thus far.

Kevin Woods, the Memphis Market President for BlueCross BlueShield, has acknowledged the uniqueness of this initiative, noting its strong connection to the museum’s mission. The openings festivities will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live performances, fitness sessions, arts and crafts, as well as health resources available to participants. The museum also plans to recognize the efforts of the construction and design team who were responsible for the park’s redevelopment during the event.

Following the grand reopening, Founders Park will remain open 24/7 for public enjoyment and engagement. This project marks the first phase of a broader initiative that will eventually see the reopening of the museum’s Legacy Building in spring 2026. The Legacy Building will be redesigned to complement the contemplative nature of the park and will explore civil rights developments up to the present day.

Key Features of BlueCross Healthy Place at Founders Park

• Grand reopening date: October 4, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Across from National Civil Rights Museum, between South Main and Mulberry Streets
• Cost of refurbishment: $9.6 million
• Funding: BlueCross BlueShield Foundation of Tennessee
• Size: About two-thirds of an acre
• Activities: Yoga sessions, cultural performances, arts & crafts, fitness sessions
• Legacy Terrace: Overlooking the historic Lorraine Motel
• Public access: 24/7 after reopening
• Future developments: Legacy Building to reopen in spring 2026

FAQ

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Additional Resources

• Commercial Appeal: National Civil Rights Museum Founders Park
• Action News 5: This Day in History – National Civil Rights Museum Dedication
• WREG: National Civil Rights Museum Opens New Outdoor Addition
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Martin Luther King Jr.
• Action News 5: BlueCross Healthy Place Prepares for Grand Opening
• Google Search: Civil Rights Movement

Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER

The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.