We did it! KaBOOM! teamed up with CaliforniaVolunteers to build nine playgrounds and one skatepark in celebration of the Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning on March 19 and March 29 in communities all across the state.
California First Lady Maria Shriver was on hand for the kickoff playground build in Los Angeles on March 19. View photos here!
On March 29, legions of volunteers gathered to build nine other playgrounds in the following cities:
More details on the build sites
Blog posts:
- Students focus on service learning in preparation for playground build
by Julio Salcedo Site Director, Lytle Creek Park, San Bernadino, Calif. - 3,000 volunteers to build skatepark and playgrounds for Cesar Chavez Day
By Adam Arata and Caleb Marshall, KaBOOM! - Community garden creates urban opportunity
By Nick Spain, The Grain Project - Neighborhood reclaims park in Modesto, Calif.
By Joe Muratore, Resident of Modesto, Calif. - A community changed by Cesar Chavez Day
By Karen Lowell, Linscott Charter School Parent and PR Committee Chairperson - Youth in Santa Ana writes poem to commemorate Cesar Chavez Day
By Loretta Martinez Williams, Santa Ana, Calif. - By the numbers: Cesar Chavez Builds
By Jen DeMelo, KaBOOM! - It only takes a single spark to start a fire...si se puede!
By Darell Hammond, KaBOOM! CEO and Co-Founder
More about CaliforniaVolunteersCaliforniaVolunteers is the state agency that manages programs and initiatives to increase the number of Californians involved with service and volunteering, including the state AmeriCorps program, Citizen Corps and the Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning. Through the innovative website, CaliforniaVolunteers.org, individuals and families can search for volunteer opportunities throughout the state that match their interests. Today there are nearly 30,000 opportunities involving the arts, education, animals, disaster preparedness, the environment and other areas of interest. Last year, CaliforniaVolunteers also sponsored ten playgrounds constructed by more than 2,500 volunteers and launched 77 afterschool service clubs in Title 1 middle schools across the state.
More about Cesar Chavez Day The Cesar Chavez Day holiday was established in 2000 to honor the life and legacy of labor leader Cesar E. Chavez. CaliforniaVolunteers administers the Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning program, which includes the playground initiative, as well as the formation of after school service clubs for middle school students and curriculum development to integrate lessons regarding Chavez’s life into school day and after school activities.Chavez believed in ten core values: acceptance of all people, celebrating community, respect for life and the environment, non-violence, innovation, a preference to help the most needy, knowledge, sacrifice, service to others and determination.
Builds
Each playground features a mural celebrating Chavez’ legacy and a community garden, and will be accessible to kids with disabilities. Click the pins in the map for more details about each build, including links to related blog posts and news articles.
View Larger Map
Read about the 2007 Cesar Chavez Day of Service
Forward this page to a friend!