Introduction to Magical Bridge Playground and Foundation

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Written by: Carolyn Kuimelis, Victoria Helmer, and Ember Lin-Sperry
magicalbridge.org

Like most parents, Magical Bridge founder and Palo Alto mother Olenka Villarreal wanted to take both of her daughters, Ava and Emma, to play at her local park. Ava was born with special needs and wasn’t able to play alongside her sister at typical playgrounds. Upon learning that many other community members shared a similar problem, Villarreal set out to build a fully inclusive space where everyone could truly play together. After years of research, funding, and design, Magical Bridge Playground was created. Opened in April 2015, Magical Bridge has since been heralded as the nation’s most innovative and inclusive playground.

Magical Bridge is not just offering inclusive play. It is revolutionizing the way people of all abilities interact and play together. Designed for everyone of all ages and abilities, Magical Bridge aims to eliminate social stigmas and prejudices that surround the special needs community.

Preteen sisters Jillian and Katherine Stevens travel from San Bruno to Magical Bridge Playground, where they can play together in an accepting environment. Jillian uses a wheelchair, so most neighborhood playgrounds are not accessible for her. “My favorite thing is to go on the carousel and watch [Jillian] be excited,” Katherine said. The young advocate is a firm believer that every playground should be built like Magical Bridge. “It’s accessible to everyone, whatever the need,” she said. “If it’s not accessible to everyone, then there’s no purpose in a playground except for the people that are able-bodied.”

Jordan and Serena are also regulars at Magical Bridge. The sisters love to play together and spin on the carousel. Jordan wants the world to know that, “Even though [Serena is] in a wheelchair, she can still do miraculous things.”

The need for inclusive playgrounds is worldwide. People have traveled from as far as Taiwan to see Magical Bridge Playground. For many, the commute is bittersweet. Having to drive or fly long distances for a public playground is unacceptable.

Since attracting worldwide coverage and interest, the Magical Bridge team saw that the need for inclusive playgrounds is much bigger than their community alone. We are thrilled to announce that other communities will soon have a chance to experience the magic.


Learn more at magicalbridge.org