Albuquerque Journal

Blue Cross donates playground to academy

- JOURNAL STAFF REPORTS

Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico recently unveiled an Imaginatio­n Playground in a Cart with the elementary students of the Native American Community Academy (NACA) at the NACA community center. The innovative play equipment was provided by BCBSNM and the national nonprofit KaBOOM!

The Imaginatio­n Playground is a collection of oversized blue foam parts that allows children to build a new play world every day. Children can create houses, castles, cars, time machines, rockets and robots. Children make the rules in this child-directed and open play space, while learning teamwork and cooperatio­n.

“All children need to play actively every day, because play is a vital element of a child’s physical and emotional wellbeing,” said Janice Torrez, divisional vice president of external affairs and chief of staff of Blue Cross. “With this playground, we are helping children create active minds and active bodies.”

“We are honored and grateful to have received the Imaginatio­n Playground,” said Zane Rosette, elementary head of school. “We are extremely excited to utilize the Imaginatio­n Playground for recess and our Personal Wellness classes.”

BCBSNM provided $20,000 for the playground. This is the seventh Imaginatio­n Playground Blue Cross has donated in conjunctio­n with KaBOOM! since 2013.

 ??  ?? Native American Community Academy children check out the donated Imaginatio­n Playground in a Cart provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico.
Native American Community Academy children check out the donated Imaginatio­n Playground in a Cart provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico.

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