Lake Lure To Unveil Community-Built Playground Following Hurricane Helene

Bright colors, laughter, and the sound of hammers and drills will soon fill Morse Park in Lake Lure as the town prepares to unveil a brand-new playground built by the community — and designed by the town’s children.

The project is a collaboration between the Town of Lake Lure, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, and the national nonprofit KABOOM!, which works to end “playspace inequity” by ensuring every child has access to safe, high-quality places to play. Kids in Lake Lure contributed drawings of their dream playgrounds over the summer, and those ideas are now coming to life through the efforts of volunteers and project partners.

Construction begins Wednesday, October 15, at 8:30 a.m., and the day will culminate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Representatives from the town, Blue Cross NC, and KABOOM! will be on hand to speak about the project and answer questions, organizers said in a press release.

“Restoring community spaces like playgrounds can offer comfort, spark healing, and foster resilience,” said Kelly Calabria, Chief Communications, Marketing, and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer for Blue Cross NC. “These spaces help children thrive and bring hope to families, making communities healthier and more vibrant.”

The playground comes as a bright spot in Lake Lure’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread flooding in September 2024. Homes, roads, and the lake itself suffered significant damage, and local leaders have worked steadily to restore infrastructure and public spaces.

This project isn’t just about fun — it’s about community. Volunteers from across Lake Lure are helping to construct the playground, and if you’re interested, the organizers are still seeking volunteers to assist on Wednesday. It’s an opportunity to be part of a project that will bring joy and connection to children for years to come.