Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), together with the nonprofit KABOOM!, has opened a new playground at Morse Park in Lake Lure. The initiative comes nearly a year after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage in western North Carolina. The playground was designed by local children and built with the help of community volunteers and Blue Cross NC employees.
According to Blue Cross NC, the new playground serves as a symbol of recovery for families affected by last year’s storm. Kelly Calabria, Chief Communications, Marketing and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Blue Cross NC, stated, “This milestone build is more than a number — it represents a promise to North Carolina’s children that their joy and healing matter deeply to all of us at Blue Cross NC. In times of recovery, spaces like this playground become more than places to play — they become places of healing, connection, and hope.”
Children from Lake Lure contributed drawings that influenced the playground’s final design, ensuring that it reflected their ideas and creativity. Calabria emphasized the broader impact of the project: “Rebuilding this playground is more than replacing equipment. It’s about restoring hope, fostering resilience, and reuniting neighbors.”
The ribbon-cutting event included local leaders, community members, and volunteers from Blue Cross NC. This marks the 20th playground project that Blue Cross NC has completed with KABOOM!, highlighting an ongoing commitment to community health and resilience in North Carolina.
Blue Cross NC’s efforts in Lake Lure are part of a larger strategy to invest in youth mental health and infrastructure resilience in areas impacted by disasters. Since October 2024, the company and its Foundation have worked with over 70 organizations in western North Carolina to support recovery efforts. These efforts include restoring services, providing mobile care, and reinforcing community networks.
Blue Cross NC says that creating safe spaces for children aligns with its mission to improve health and well-being for all residents of North Carolina, regardless of their location or circumstances.
