Guests at Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport can enjoy free admission on Aug. 16, compliments of the Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors® (NETAR).

The event is part of the national “Realtors® Are Good Neighbors“ initiative, a program that highlights the real estate profession’s role in giving back to local communities. Last year, 464 people took advantage of the sponsored day, and organizers are thrilled to open the gates to the community once again.

Event Details

• Date: August 16

• Cost: Free admission (sponsored by NETAR)

• Park Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• Nature Center Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

For many families, the visit will be more than just a free outing. It is a chance to explore 3,550 acres of one of the region’s most celebrated public parks. Visitors can walk the 44-acre lake, watch bobcats and wolves in their natural habitats, and trek or bike along nearly 40 miles of forest trails. Parents can watch their children marvel at the freshwater aquarium, while others might prefer to relax on benches with a book in hand, taking in the beauty of East Tennessee’s largest city-owned park.

While last year’s impressive turnout tells part of the story, the initiative is ultimately about more than just attendance numbers. For some families, the day provides an affordable way to enjoy nature together without the barrier of admission costs. For others, it serves as an introduction to a park they have heard about but never visited. And for the park itself, the event brings 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 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 removing the cost of entry at Bays Mountain, NETAR gives residents a living example of that mission. The event reinforces 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.

Whether it’s the memory of scenic views, the thrill of spotting a red-tailed hawk, or simply a renewed sense of belonging, the day serves as a simple reminder: sometimes the best way to invest in a community is to give neighbors a place to connect with the outdoors, and with each other.