Kingsport announces plans to update Jalisa Ferguson Playground equipment

KINGSPORT — Jalisa Ferguson's name is forever ingrained in Kingsport history through the memory of loved ones and a playground in Riverview bearing her name. City officials reaffirmed their commitment to the Jalisa Ferguson Playground during the Jack Pierce, Sr. Park at Riverview renaming ceremony held on Aug. 7 by unveiling plans for upgraded playground equipment there. The playground is part of the park located at the V.O. Dobbins Sr. Complex (300 Louis St.). Jalisa was shot and killed in the Riverview community 11 days after her fourth birthday, on June 25, 1994. The Times News previously reported the playground was first dedicated to Jalisa in October 1995. "[Jalisa's] passing was felt deeply by the family and the Riverview community," Kingsport Mayor Paul Montgomery said on Friday. "In the years that followed, residents and community leaders worked to rebuild and renew Riverview. Throughout that transition, Jalisa's memory remained a reminder of the community's hope for a better future." Montgomery said the city is reinvesting in existing structures in the park as part of their strategic plan. The mayor said the investment is expected to be funded through efficiencies and redirected dollars. Renderings for the new equipment were shown during the event Friday. Kingsport Parks and Recreation Superintendent Chassy Smiley said she was honored to share the renderings with those in attendance and wanted the equipment to be something Jalisa would be excited to play on. "It's been part of our strategic plan to make some upgrades, whether that's to the campus, to the community," she said. "But the playground just seemed like a wonderful fit, and it's going to be updated and modernized so all ages can enjoy it." Jalisa's mother Patricia Beatty was a part of the plan unveiling last week, helping city officials and Kingsport Parks and Recreation staff share the news. "I just want to thank everybody that came out for my daughter and Uncle Jack [Pierce Sr.], but I really want to thank the city of Kingsport, Parks and Recreation and the community that helped build the first playground," she said. "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." Moving forward Smiley said the city is hoping to secure funding for the playground equipment by the end of this year with equipment installed by Summer 2027. Kingsport Parks and Recreations Director Tyler Wicks said in an emailed statement Monday that Kingsport is excited to reinvest in one of its "most heavily used park assets." He said, to his knowledge, this will be the first time the city has replaced the large piece of playground equipment since its first installation in 1995. "As we replace the original play equipment, we are mindful of why this playground was created and what it represents to the Riverview community," Wicks said. "We hope this investment will honor Jalisa's memory, her family and the legacy that has been carried forward through all the children that have played on Jalisa's playground." The Kingsport BMA initially approved a resolution in April 2024 to replace a portion of the playground equipment for nearly $60,000. That section was upgraded late July/early August 2024.