Kingdom For Kids

Overview

Kingdom for Kids is one of the Rotary Club of San Antonio’s most enduring and impactful service projects. Founded in 1997 by Past President Rick Cavender, this initiative brings together Rotarians, community volunteers, and generous partners to transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, safe playgrounds for children across our city.

Since its founding, 28 Kingdom for Kids playground builds have taken place at schools, nonprofit campuses, and libraries throughout San Antonio. These projects focus on underserved areas where outdoor play areas are limited or nonexistent.

Each build is a true community effort. We work closely with partner organizations like City Year San Antonio, the Harvey E. Najim Charitable Foundation, District 5840 DAF, and local businesses such as the Cavender Auto Family. Volunteers join us from every corner—Rotarians, corporate teams, Interact and Rotaract clubs, nonprofit staff, families, and friends—working side-by-side to build something lasting. Many projects are completed in just two days, leaving behind not just playgrounds, but renewed spaces full of energy, color, and care.

We don’t just assemble playground equipment. Our teams install soccer fields, paint murals, landscape green spaces, build benches, and more—whatever it takes to make each space welcoming and inclusive for every child. While some builds are streamlined and focused—like the 2024 project at Guardian House, which emphasized playground assembly—others include large-scale campus transformations.

A Few of Our Recent Projects

• Any Baby Can: A fully ADA-accessible playground created for children with health and developmental challenges.
• Girls Inc.: A campus-wide makeover featuring a play structure, playhouse, gazebo, basketball court, and reading theater.
• Autism Community Network: The 28th Kingdom for Kids build, including two play structures, mural installations, landscaping, and fence-line improvements.

Whether it’s a school courtyard or the grounds of a nonprofit organization, we believe that every child deserves a safe place to play.

Be Part of the Next Kingdom

With your support, we can turn another empty lot into a place where laughter rings out, friendships are formed, and imaginations take flight. Whether you volunteer your time or make a financial gift, you’ll be helping bring joy and opportunity to children who need it most.