History
The citizens who promoted the park formed an organization known as “Friends of Bays Mountain.” After the City built the park, they reorganized, changed the name to “The Bays Mountain Park Association” and obtained a classication of 501(c)(3) from the IRS. This classification is for non-profit organizations and permits tax-deductible contributions to be made to the Association.
Purpose
The purposes of the Association are twofold: First, to give its members unlimited access to the park when it is open; and second, to assist the park and the park staff in any way possible. Assistance is given by volunteers who meet the public, assist in instruction of school groups, lead nature hikes and answer questions about the park and its facilities, exhibits and programs, as well as helping the staff “back-stage.” The Association also runs the gift shop in the Nature Center. Functionally, the Association reports to the Bays Mountain Park Commission, which is a group charged by the City of Kingsport with setting park policies.
Funding
The Association’s income consists of membership fees, profits from the gift shop and contributions. All surplus funds are given each year to the Bays Mountain Park Commission and are used for new equipment, facilities and other improvements to the park that would not ordinarily be funded by the City of Kingsport.
Membership Information
Become a member of the Bays Mountain Park Association and enjoy many valuable benefits throughout the year. When you become a member, you also help Bays Mountain Park to continue a tradition of preservation, exhibition and educational programs that reach thousands of school children annually.
Advantages of Membership
Members of the BMPA have unlimited access for their vehicle to enter the Park during open hours with no entrance fee. All of the Park’s public programs are available to them at no charge. Specifically, this means that members don’t have to pay normal fees for planetarium programs, barge rides, or special shows in the Nature Center or the amphitheater. Free tickets for these events are also available for guests (see “Categories and Benefits” below). Members also receive a quarterly newsletter and are invited to at least one special event for members each year. Membership dues can be paid at any time and are good for one year from the month of payment.
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Categories & Benefits
NOTE: Membership cards will be sent via traditional mail to all who purchase online. Your purchase confirmation email may be used to immediately enjoy the benefits of your membership while awaiting the arrival of your card.
Individual Membership ($25 per year)
- Unlimited complimentary entrance for your vehicle
- Unlimited complimentary passes to our Nature and Planetarium programs. Limit of 2 passes per program per visit.
- Invitations to attend special events.
- A one-year subscription to The Interpreter, our member’s quarterly newsletter.
- Ability to check-out videos from our large collection of National Geographic, nature, space and related programs.
Family Membership ($35.00 per year)
All of the benefits of an Individual, plus:
- Families may receive as many as 6 tickets to any public program each time they visit the park.
Supporting Membership ($75 per year)
All of the benefits of Family, plus:
- Enrollment in our Animal Adoption Program.
Life Membership ($1,000)
Bestows all the benefits of Supporting membership for life, plus:
- The opportunity each summer to invite up to 25 friends for a private barge ride on the park’s lake.
For additional information about membership in the Bays Mountain Park Association, please call 423-229-9447.
Animal Adoption
The many animals in our Animal Habitats require constant and unique care and nurturing. Your support helps us maintain the level of care that our animals deserve.
Participants will receive:
- A certificate of adoption naming you as the supporter or the animal or your choice.
- A picture of your animal.
- A fact sheet with information about the particular habits, markings, and facts concerning your animal.
For more information about how to participate in our Animal Adoption Program, please contact the Park Association at (423)229-9449.
Gift Shop
A gift shop in the Nature Center, operated by the Bays Mountain Park Association, stocks reasonably priced merchandise for shoppers of all ages. For the school children, there is a wide variety of toys, many of which help to teach some principle of science. For adults, there are starfinders, sweat shirts, books on many scientific subjects and a wide variety of other gifts. The gift shop also has a large stock of National Geographic, nature, space and astronomy videos that are available for free checkout to Association members.
Volunteer Program
Volunteers play a vital role to the daily operations of Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium. The volunteer opportunities at Bays Mountain Park offer individuals a variety of ways to become involved in the community. Bays Mountain Park Association (BMPA) volunteers are trained by the Park’s staff and aid in every aspect of the Park’s operation. Some of Bays Mountain Park’s largest public programs could not be offered without the assistance of volunteers.
Listed below are the different areas where you can get involved. If you are interested in volunteering or would just like to know more, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator’s office at (423)229-9449 or send us an e-mail.
Farmstead
Greet visitors to this museum and tell them about the history of families who lived on Bays Mountain and what life was like for them. The Farmstead Museum features exhibits of farming equipment once used on Bays Mountain and helps visitors understand the history of Bays Mountain. Present short interpretive programs using tools and implements in the museum.
Naturalist
Volunteers take small groups of students on nature hikes and teach grade-level curricula. Hikes last 50 minutes with stops along the way to watch animals. One of our most-demanding support positions, being a naturalist volunteer requires a one-year commitment.
Herpetarium
Help monitor public access to our snake, frog, turtle and other related displays at this building. Provide information and answer questions for visitors.
Raptor Center
Join other volunteers in the daily care and management of our birds of prey. Raptor volunteers also conduct both school and public programs. This position requires a one-year commitment with volunteers expected to commit to one day per week. A thorough training process is involved, but this special opportunity has many rewards.
Astronomy
Astronomy enthusiasts can provide help by joining the Bays Mountain Astronomy Club. The club provides volunteers to assist with special events and astronomical programs for the public at the park observatory and around the community.
Watershed Room
Meet the public, answer questions about the fresh-water pool and fresh-water aquariums, and explain the other live and freeze-dried specimens in the room. Feed the fish and clean the outside of aquaria.
Volunteers at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium are an incredible asset to our community. Here we see a volunteer help with our Raptor Program.
Volunteers at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium are an incredible asset to our community. Here we see volunteers help with one of our animal habitats.
Volunteers at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium are an incredible asset to our community. Here we see volunteers help at the Day Camp Cabin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bays Mountain Park Association (BMPA)?
Soon after the City of Kingsport built the park, “Friends of Bays Mountain” reorganized choosing the name of Bays Mountain Park Association and obtained a classification of 501(c)(3) from the IRS. This classification is for non-profit organizations and permits tax-deductible contributions to be made to the Association.
What is the purpose of the BMPA?
The purposes of the BMPA are twofold: First, to give its members unlimited access to the park when it is open; and second, to assist the park and its staff in any way possible. Assistance is given by volunteers who meet the public, assist in instruction of school groups, lead nature hikes, and answer questions about the park and its facilities, exhibits, and programs, as well as helping the staff in a variety of other ways. The BMPA also runs the gift shop in the Nature Center. Functionally, the Association reports to the Bays Mountain Park Commission, which is a group charged by the City of Kingsport with setting park policies.
What revenue does the BMPA receive?
BMPA income consists of membership fees, profits from the gift shop, donations, sponsorships and other contributions. All surplus funds are given each year to the Bays Mountain Park Commission and are used for new equipment, facilities, and other improvements to the park that would not ordinarily be funded by the City of Kingsport.
Are all funds collected by the BMPA used to benefit the park?
Yes, all funds received by the BMPA are used to directly benefit Bays Mountain Park, its programs and services. No funds collected by the BMPA are re-directed to the City of Kingsport. Excess funds are presented to the Bays Mountain Park Commission where they are earmarked for use solely for the benefit of Bays Mountain Park. Every penny collected by the BMPA is, in fact, responsibly used to benefit the park and the BMPA in order to preserve educational, recreational and leisure opportunities for this and future generations to come.
What benefits do park members receive?
Memberships are good for one full year from the month of activation. Members receive free year-round entry for one vehicle into the park, plus program passes on each visit for each park program/service offered (including Planetarium show, barge ride and nature programs) up to the maximum number offered per membership level, free quarterly newsletter, and invitation to the BMPA annual meeting. Plus, as mentioned, park members play a role in helping protect the park and the opportunities it offers for this and future generations.
Do park members get to enjoy zip line rides for free also?
While memberships do not offer free zip line rides they do offer discounts. For example, while a zip line ride is normally $10.00 for the general paying public, park members can purchase zip line rides at $5.00 per ride.
Is summer day camp available to park members’ children and grandchildren?
Yes! Each summer Bays Mountain Park offers summer day camp for kids in two different age groups: those entering first thru third grade, and also for those entering fourth thru sixth grade the following fall. Cost to attend for park members is only $55.00 per child, per week. For more information on summer day camp, weeks available and to register your child or grandchild call 423.229-9447.
How can I get involved in the BMPA?
Once you are park member, perhaps the best way to get involved in the BMPA is to become a park volunteer. Members can volunteer in a number of areas including the Raptor Center, Herpetarium, Farmstead Museum, Ropes Course, trail maintenance and more. While each area requires a different level of commitment and physical ability, the most important requirement is a willingness to make a difference. The park could not operate successfully without the support of our wonderful volunteers! For more information call 423-229-9447.
Do any age requirements exist for volunteering?
Yes, all volunteers must be at least 17-years-old, and those volunteering in select areas such as the Herpetarium, Volunteer Naturalist and Raptor Center must be at least 18-years-old.
Directions
Directions
