Kingsport park renaming honors legacy of Jack Pierce Sr.

KINGSPORT — Family, friends and neighbors gathered in the Riverview community Friday to celebrate the renaming of city park in memory of Jack Pierce Sr. The park, now officially named Jack Pierce, Sr. Park at Riverview, is located at the V.O. Dobbins Sr. Complex (300 Louis St.) Kingsport Parks and Recreation Superintendent Chassy Smiley explained how Riverview has always had a remarkable story to tell. She said the neighborhood has continued to grow, evolve and flourish over the past three decades. "Parks are more than a green space, they become the backdrop for life's most meaningful moments," she said. "They are where children discover adventure, families gather for celebrations, neighbors become friends, and generations create memories that last a lifetime. Every park has a story, but the greatest stories are always the people connected to the park." While some of the park's amenities have changed over time, Smiley said the pride of Riverview residents remains unwavering, along with the resilience and deep sense of community intertwined throughout the neighborhood. "Today reflects that journey; a reminder that while communities change over time, the people and the legacies that shape them should always be remembered," she said. "By rededicating this park in honor of Jack Pierce Sr., we ensure that every family who visits, every child who plays and every person who walks these grounds will be reminded of the individuals who invest in their community leave an impact that extends far beyond their own lifetime." 'His community loved him' Fred Smith, grandson to Pierce, shared more about late grandfather's legacy. Pierce was born in 1929 in Old Kingsport and lived to be 95 years old. He graduated from Douglass High School and lived in Riverview for more than 40 years. "My grandfather, he dedicated his life not only to his family, but to his neighborhood and to his city. And he did that because he loved his neighborhood, his family, and his city. But it wasn't in vain, because his neighborhood, his family, and his city loved him back, and they put it into action." Smith recalled when his grandfather needed something, Pierce always knew he could go to the mayor or aldermen in Kingsport to get something done. He said Pierce loved his community, and in turn, his community loved him. "[My grandfather] always had wise words to give you," Smith said in an interview after the event. "... He was just very loving, very nurturing, always there for his family." He called Friday's gathering special, since many of the people who showed up knew Pierce for a very long time. "This [place] was like a gathering point for us, and for now, for his name to be permanently ingrained on this park — it just means the world to us because he really loved this neighborhood," Smith said. "He really loved this park as well. This community is family." Linda Kincaid, president of the Frederick A. Douglass Cultural Arts Museum, shared her own perspective on Pierce's impact locally. She described Pierce as "an ordinary man doing extraordinary things" while he was alive. She commented how Pierce served on the Riverview "Catch the Vision" strategic planning team, South Central Community Development Board, Kingsport Bays Mountain Historical Committee and many others. He was one of the founding members for the museum Kincaid represents. "Mr. Jack was the north star for the Frederick A. Douglas Cultural Arts Museum," she said. "The idea for a museum telling the model city's black story came after decades of individuals preserving historical items before segregation ended." Family members helped unveil the new park signs, one which tells the story of Pierce's life to those who visit. Per the sign, Pierce became the first Black foreman to work at Eastman Chemical Co., along with many other achievements. Mayor comment Kingsport Mayor Paul Montgomery said those gathered to celebrate the park's renaming are examples of what Pierce meant to the community. "We all knew him as a father. We knew him as a grandfather, and as his grandson so eloquently told us more about him a while ago, we knew him as a community leader," he said. "As Linda Kincaid told us more about his recent work with the museum, and I think it's more than fitting that we take time today to recognize him because he spent a lot of time on this field in this park." The city also unveiled planned upgrades to the Jalisa Ferguson Playground, which is located at the park. "I just want to thank everybody that came out for my daughter and Uncle Jack, but I really want to thank the city of Kingsport and the Parks and Recreation and the community that helped build the first playground," said Patricia Beatty, Jalisa's mother. "I hope we all come together to rebuild the second one that's coming soon. This has really been a blessing to me and my kids."