Humana kicked off activities in celebration of the Humana Challenge on Saturday by partnering with KaBOOM! and The Desert Alliance for Community Empowerment to build a multigenerational playground in Thermal, Calif., with more than 200 volunteers from the community and Humana. This new playground demonstrates Humana’s commitment to bringing children, adults and families together to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. The unique space has senior and adult-focused elements, such as fitness stations and walking paths, to promote good posture, balance and flexibility – as well as traditional kid-friendly equipment, offering a truly multi-generational space. Last year, Humana built similar playgrounds across the country during its “Build a Legacy Tour.” Each volunteer also received a pedometer on-site to wear throughout the day and take home.

“We had more than 200 enthusiastic volunteers at today’s playground build and it was fantastic to see so many people coming together for a common cause. With only one school in the rural Thermal area, local children didn’t have a place to play and this space now gives them an area to share with parents and grandparents, encouraging well-being at any age,” said Tom Noland, senior vice president of Corporate Communications at Humana. “What a great way to kick off a wonderful week of community wellness activities at the Humana Challenge!”

Also on Saturday, more than 500 people participated in the Well-Being Walk along Bear Creek Trail in La Quinta, Calif. The five-mile morning trek provided an opportunity for members of the community to come together and walk – one of the simplest ways to keep physically active at any age. Attendees also had a chance to visit the Humana Healthy Fun Fair, which included live music, martial arts and Zumba fitness demos, in addition to a Kids Fun Zone with multiple inflatables, a rock climbing wall, game booths and lawn games.

“The turnout for the Well-Being Walk and Healthy Fun Fair was fantastic,” said Jim Turner, Humana spokesperson. “It was so much fun to see people here in La Quinta come together for a day of healthy activities; it fits perfectly with the theme of the Humana Challenge tournament week – well-being, with a side of golf.”

This weekend the Humana “Build a Legacy Tour” headed to Greensboro, N.C., for the third of eight multi-generational playground builds around the country.

Humana volunteers, the YWCA and KaBOOM! organizers braved cold temperatures and wind and rain on Saturday, Oct. 29, to start the project in High Point, about 20 minutes outside of Greensboro.

Poor weather didn’t bring down the spirit of the team, though, and they lucked out as the rain dissipated and sun started shining mid-morning.

More than 250 local volunteers of all ages – nearly 100 of those from Humana – contributed, including Dallas Mavericks center (and recent NBA Champion), Brendan Haywood, who has deep roots in the area.

Invited by Humana, KaBOOM! and the YWCA, Brendan joined the team of volunteers in constructing playground components for people of all ages, including a Triple Racer Slide, Lifetrail exercise stations, Tic-Tac-Toe Activity Wall, Rope Climber and Climbing activities.

“It is a good cause,” Brendan said. “KaBOOM! and Humana are doing a lot of good things in the community, and it’s something I wanted to partner up with and be a part of.”

In addition to helping with the build, Brendan also had the chance to meet with local children and take pictures and speak with participants.

The team was thankful to have his help and support. Thank you, Brendan!