Bays Mountain Park cuts ribbon on Fox Den playground

Bays Mountain Park officially opened its newest attraction to the public on Friday – the Fox Den Playground – the first of its kind and a playground for children of all ages and abilities.

Park officials held a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the playground Friday afternoon before a crowd of more than 100 city officials, park supporters, school-aged children and family members.

“This new playground is a fantastic addition to the park and one that will allow everyone to play together and appreciate the great outdoors,” said Park Manager Megan Krager. “This will be a brand new way for visitors to enjoy and experience Bays Mountain Park.”

Located next to the Herpetarium, the Fox Den Playground is approximately one quarter-acre in size and is accessible to people of all ages and all abilities. Features include multiple climbing structures and slides, such as a Timber Tower, Log Jam, Songbird, Log Pile and Log Steppers.

Development on the Fox Den Playground began more than five years ago with the idea coming from David and Brenda Fox – two long-time supporters of Bays Mountain Park. The Kingsport couple championed this project in memory of their son Parker, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 25.

“We’re thrilled to see a playground at Bays Mountain Park and it’s going to be a great place for kids to play and for families to be together,” said Brenda Fox. “It’s even more meaningful to us as a memorial to our son, Parker. So many friends have donated to it, and the community support has been phenomenal.”

The Fox Den Playground was designed by Coyle & Caron landscape architects and Habitat Designers with help from Collective Architecture. Inland Construction was the main contractor on the project, and the playground equipment was purchased through Great Southern Recreation.

Total cost of the project was $940,000 with a majority of the funding coming from private donations. Kingsport broke ground on the playground in December 2024 with construction beginning this past spring.