PEACHLAND – Students at Peachland-Polkton Elementary School now have a new place to play thanks to a $250,000 playground grant made possible through a partnership between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and KaBOOM!
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Wednesday afternoon at the school to celebrate the completion of the new playground. State Senator Dave Craven joined local leaders, school staff, volunteers, and students for the unveiling – even taking a trip down the slide himself.
Sen. Craven said the project was about creating a space where students can come together, be active and feel part of a team. “This is what it’s all about,” he said. “I just wanted to give them that opportunity here at Peachland-Polkton.”
This project was made possible through a grant application submitted by the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization and funded by Blue Cross NC, in partnership with KaBOOM!, an organization that builds play spaces in underserved communities.
Elijah Evans, program manager at Blue Cross NC, said the project aligns with the company’s mission to improve health outcomes for all North Carolinians – starting with youth.
“We identified a need for accessible and safe play at Peachland-Polkton through our work with Sen. Craven and our internal teams,” Evans said. “A safe place to play is foundational to a child’s health and development.”
Volunteers from Blue Cross NC traveled from across the state, including the company’s Durham campus, to help assemble the playground equipment ahead of the event. Features include a Gaga Ball pit, colorful sidewalk chalk art and traditional playground structures.
But for those closest to the project, the new playground represents far more than slides and swings.
Former PTO president and current school board member Kelly Sheppard, who led the grant process, said the project began last October when she applied through KaBOOM!’s partnership program.
“For our school, which serves almost 500 students in a rural, high-need area, receiving a playground of this scale has taken me through so many emotions,” she said. “At first it felt too good to be true — because I knew what it cost just to replace a single slide, and even that was out of our PTO budget. We couldn’t afford a slide, but now, thanks to volunteer time, a lot of hard work, and great people from across the state, we have a beautiful playground designed by our own students.”
Students had the chance to sketch their dream playground on “Design Day,” while parents and teachers contributed ideas on safety and accessibility. KaBOOM! used that feedback to create the final playset. Then, in just six hours, more than 150 volunteers came together to assemble the playground.
“This playground represents opportunity, equity, and a brighter, more active future for every student who walks through our doors,” she said. “It’s more than just a playground — it’s a hub for healthier, happier learning. Closest to our hearts is the Buddy Bench, where any child can sit if they need a friend. It’s a simple feature, but one that teaches empathy, kindness, and connection.”
Another Blue Cross NC representative added: “It’s not just about running, jumping, and playing. Playgrounds help kids build relationships, solve problems and develop mental and emotional wellness – and that’s just as important.”
Sen. Craven also expressed his gratitude to the project partners and emphasized the importance of investment in Anson County.
“While Anson County may be one of the lower income communities across the state, they are invested – just like I am – in making this a better place for our families,” he said.