On a warm Sunday in mid-August, Bays Mountain Park welcomed 464 residents who enjoyed a day of free admission, courtesy of the Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors® (NETAR). The event was part of the national “Realtors® Are Good Neighbors” initiative, a program that highlights the profession’s role in giving back to local communities. 

For many families, the day was more than just a free outing. It was a chance to explore 3,550 acres of one of the region’s most celebrated public parks. Visitors walked the 44-acre lake, watched bobcats and wolves in their habitats, and trekked or biked along nearly 40 miles of forest trails. Parents watched their children marvel at the freshwater aquarium, while others relaxed on benches with a book in hand, taking in the beauty of East Tennessee’s largest city-owned park. 

“This was one of the many ways Realtors® gave back to the communities we serve,” said Wayne Porter, NETAR President. “Seeing nearly 500 residents take part underscored the importance of making spaces like Bays Mountain accessible and reminding people what a gem this park is for our region.” 

While the numbers tell part of the story, the initiative was about more than attendance. For some families, the day provided an affordable way to enjoy nature together without the barrier of admission costs. For others, it was an introduction to a park they had heard about but never visited. And for the park itself, the event brought fresh energy and visibility, showcasing its planetarium, solar observatory, ropes course, and 300-foot zip line to both first-time and returning guests. 

The “Realtors® Are Good Neighbors” initiative is designed to remind the public that real estate professionals are not just selling homes—they are deeply invested in the communities where they live and work. Across Northeast Tennessee, more than 1,900 REALTORS® contribute their time, resources, and expertise to projects ranging from food drives and neighborhood cleanups to housing advocacy and educational outreach. 

By opening the gates at Bays Mountain, NETAR gave residents a living example of that mission. The event reinforced the idea that community health isn’t only about property values or transaction counts—it’s about creating shared experiences that strengthen the fabric of the region. 

As the day wound down, what lingered was more than the memory of scenic views or the thrill of spotting a red-tailed hawk. It was a renewed sense of belonging—neighbors gathered, outdoors enjoyed, and the simple reminder that sometimes the best way to invest in a community is to give people a place to connect with it.