It’s not often that a single phrase can resonate among 3,000 volunteers building 10 playspaces across California.  But last month I witnessed just that! “Si se puede,” meaning “it can be done” rang throughout our 10 playspace projects built in collaboration with California First Lady Maria Shriver’s CaliforniaVolunteers and in honor of Cesar E. Chavez. These words, most notably used by Chavez, provided unified inspiration unlike anything I have ever seen during the collective playspace builds. Not only was the breadth of this project impressive, the largest concentrated KaBOOM! effort to date, but it gave us the opportunity to broaden the impact our playspaces by commemorating the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez. 

On March 24, we kicked off the first of the 10 projects at the Watts Labor Action Committee Center in Los Angeles. I had the privilege of standing beside Maria Shriver, the visionary behind these projects and Paul Chavez, son of Cesar E. Chavez and chairman of the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation as the day began.  Throughout the day I witnessed volunteers work together tirelessly to mix cement and assemble playground equipment.  I realized I was watching first-hand the Chavez core values of service to others, determination and celebration of community, come to life right before my eyes.  

Though I only had the opportunity to participate in the build at the Watts Labor Action Committee Center I know that the passion and hard work that took place in Los Angeles continued across nine other California communities. Not only will these playspaces give more than 100,000 children a safe place to play, I truly believe that these 10 playspaces will serve as constant reminders of the value of service and strength of community for generations to come.  

I would especially like to thank Maria Shriver, CaliforniaVolunteers, the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation and Youth Service California for helping make this project a reality. Si se puede!