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FEATURED ARTICLE
MAGICAL BRIDGE PLAYGROUND THOUGHTFUL SPACES FOR EVERY BODY
You've heard the mantra, "Kindness is Magical," but what does it mean to create an inclusive space for every body and every one?
What makes Magical populations have been overlooked for far community's health and safety, of course. Bridge playground so too long. Our new innovative playground unique? Well, the story will serve not only those with physical On the following pages we will explore beings with a mother and cognitive disabilities, autism, visual each unique zone and the thoughtful of two daughters with and hearing impairments, but also elements behind each design. We have vastly different needs, and the quest to the medically fragile, and our aging learned so much throughout this process find a place where all of them could play population. It's a park and play area for and are excited to view all future projects together. EVERY BODY and EVERY ONE! through this new magical lense.
Playgrounds are meant to be a place for families to enjoy together, but Olenka Villerreal quickly realized that this was not true for her family and likely not true for the 1-in-4 of us living with visible or invisible disabilities. Long story short, after seven years of dreaming, researching, and fund raising, Magical Bridge playground was born.
The first of its kind, Magical Bridge is a perfect example of how so many We are incredibly grateful and excited to bring Magical Bridge to Redwood City. It took a persistent and incredible village to pull together the fundraising and resources to bring this project to life.
While COVID-19 has created incredible challenges, we are excited to finally say that we are now open for all families to enjoy while following strict State and County guidelines put in place for our
PHOTO
Founder, Olenka Villerreal, Magical Bridge Foundation Founder and her daughters, Ava and Emma.
At Magical Bridge Playground, you’ll find...
Distinct play zones with smooth ground surfaces.
Wheelchair-accessible equipment including a two-story playhouse, groundlevel carousel, and slide mound.
Hideaway Huts for safe retreat- from play.
Slides with Dignity Landings™ for those needing more time or a transitional place to sit.
A place where all ages and abilities are encouraged to play!
INNOVATION ZONE
The Magic of Music
• Stimulates brain activity • Encourages social interaction • Facilities non-verbal communication
The 24-string Laser Harp, created by artist Jen Lewin, encourages visitors to create a symphony of sounds. When you move through the harp, musical notes will play as you break the invisible laser beams. Tones are on a pentatonic scale which is proven to be more soothing than a western scale, especially to those who have autism. You can also keep the beat with your feet on the several drum pads below!
SLIDE MOUND The Magic of Sliding
• Improves balance and spatial orientation • Builds coordination and strength • Promotes growth and development Wheelchair-accessible slides feature patented Dignity Landings™ to provide a safe resting place for those needing assistance at the bottom. Wider slides mean the whole family can slide together. Our slides were carefully chosen based on a number of factors as well as some observations and learnings from the Palo Alto Magical Bridge site. For more detail about our slides, click here, and scroll to our October 5th entry.
SWING AND SWAY ZONE
The Magic of Swinging
• Develops and restores balance • Increases concentration • Soothes and relaxes for all ages
Disc swings invite group play in a variety of positions, and large bucket seat swings
offer support for various sizes and abilities.
PLAYHOUSE AND STAGE The Magic of a Playhouse
• Encourages imaginative play • Motivates social collaboration • Features a stage for performances
Since 1987, Barbara Butler Artist-Builder, Inc. has created custom play structures using all natural redwood and non-toxic tung oil wood stains, including our wheelchair-accessible playhouse.
KINDNESS CORNER
The Magic of Kindness
The Kindness Corner, hand-painted by local mural artist Marlon Yanes, features kindness messages chosen by the children of Redwood City. The area inspires kindness and inclusion while providing a gathering place for conversations about acceptance, friendship, and the importance of diversity.
SPIN ZONE The Magic of Spinning
• Helps develop both sides of the brain • Improves attention spans for learning • 15 minutes of spinning may impact the brain for up to 8 hours so please spin with caution.
The carousel fits two wheelchairs and spaced spinners and allows spinning in various positions. Spinning should be controlled for the best benefit. Encourage children to spin 10 times in one direction. Then stop and spin in the other direction.
TOT ZONE The Magic of Early Play
• Develops fine and gross motor skills • Offers challenges for risk-taking • Encourages imagination and socialization
The playground is often a child’s first classroom. When children begin their play lives with kindness, inclusion becomes the norm for the rest of their lives. These formative experiences help build more open and accepting communities.
This area also houses an exciting water play aqueduct feature where kids can explore sensory play and engineering.
MAGICAL BRIDGE PLAYGOUND INFORMATION
Due to the unique nature and popularity of this particular playground we have implemented rules and guidelines that are specific to the Magical Bridge Playground, like the addition of operating hours and the providing of staff and volunteers to support keeping the community safe while at play. Please check our website prior to visiting so that you are aware of what to expect as some of our rules may seem unexpected compared to our other playgrounds. Also, due to COVID-19, information is subject to change.
PHONE: 650.780.7311
EMAIL: RECREATION@REDWOODCITY.ORG
