Magical Bridge Playground

Bringing More Magic to Foothill

playground

Imagine an innovative and truly inclusive playground, where all children, families and community members — of all ages, sizes and abilities — feel welcome to have fun, exercise, and be together in community.

Through our partnership with the Magical Bridge Foundation, we propose to build such a playground here at Foothill College, serving Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, and the whole of Silicon Valley, given easy access to our location on El Monte Road from Hwy 280.

The Call for A More Inclusive Playground in Los Altos

In 2018, the 3rd-grade class from Loyola Elementary School in Los Altos was studing empathy and realized that a classmate in a wheelchair cold not enjoy the same types of play as the rest of the class. The students concluded that they needed an all-inclusive playground and made a presentation to the Los Altos City Council.

This was after the first Magical Bridge playground opened in nearby Palo Alto in 2015—through the leadership, vision and love of a mother with two children with very different needs. That mother, Olenka Villarreal, is now CEO and founder of the Magical Bridge Foundation. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that advocates for, designs and builds playgrounds throughout the Bay Area and worldwide, creating outdoor spaces that welcome everyone, at every stage of life.

In summer 2022, Foothill Interim President Bernadine Fong invited Villarreal and three of the Loyola students, now entering the 8th grade, to meet to find out how Foothill could help with their Magical Bridge dream.

Proposed Playground Location

Located on 122 acres in Los Altos Hills, Foothill College includes pockets of property that are not contiguous to the campus proper, and, therefore, not readily usable for classroom buildings or parking. However, we can designate that space to build a truly accessible playground and provide parking for that purpose.

Foothilll proposes to build the playground in what is now Student Lot 1H, which is a largely under-utilized lot but easily accessible to the public and near restrooms, as well as near our Athletics outdoor stadium.

map of campus with proposed magical bridge location on bottm right

The Mission of Magical Bridge

We believe that everyone, regardless of ability or disability, deserves a safe and fun place to play and connect. Through our innovative design and programs, we promote kindness and multi-generational play that builds more inclusive communities.

What Makes a Magical Bridge So Magical?

Visit any Magical Bridge playground throughout the Bay Area, including Redwood City, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara and Morgan Hill, and you'll see the recreational play opportunities for all.

Accessible

Distinct Play Zones with equipment for all sizes and abilities
Smooth and seamless pathways and soft-fall ground surfaces with no loose tanbark or sand that may obstruct those using breathing tubes

Inclusive

Kindness Corner for reflection
Signage and wayfinding for
Hideaway Huts for quiet retreat
Ample gather areas

Inspiring

Accessible two-story playhouse, stage, and slide mound
Local art and murals
Innovative musical features
Unique and special play experiences
Environmental and sustainable design techniques

A Partnership to Benefit All

A Space for All

Students and community members living with disabilities, whether physical, emotional, or cognitive, may enjoy the many features the playground has to offer. Our veterans returning to civilian life, and others suffering from PTSD and other traumatic events, can enjoy the playground as adults. Magical Bridge Playground at Foothill College will be easily accessible to all, in every sense of the word.

Learning Lab with Educational Opportunities for Foothill Students

A Magical Bridge playground would serve as a “laboratory” site for students in our Foothill programs, including

- Students in our Child Development program, where they can deepen their understanding of children of all ages and abilities
- Military student veterans
- Students with different physical and cognitive abilities
- Older adult students who require special settings for physical activity
- Design students who will be involved in the overall aesthetics of the playground design
- Horticulture students will have the unique opportunity to help design and install the playground alongside one of Magical Bridge’s lead designers who is a graduate of Foothill’s horticulture program.
- Students in Kinesiology and health and wellness can utilize the playground for fitness and mobility classes.

In addition, Magical Bridge Playground will provide ample opportunity for active and creative play to help alleviate daily stress and encourage students, faculty and staff alike to connect with nature and their bodies.

Enhanced Health and Well-Being

Magical Bridge Playgrounds amplify the health and wellbeing of the entire community.

With seamless transitions throughout the playground, Magical Bridge’s innovative and environmentally-conscious design integrates accessible equipment, natural elements, community gathering spaces, and recreational amenities unique to the area.

THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

At its core, Magical Bridge understands the value and health benefits of play — for all ages and abilities — and recognizes that playgrounds are vital for communities to gather and connect. Designed to bring people together, Magical Bridge Playgrounds improve and diversify open spaces to encourage group and individual discovery, adventure, fitness, reflection, and learning.

MEETING COMMUNITY NEEDS

The Magical Bridge Foundation and Foothill College partnership will facilitate public input meetings, surveys, and research, as well as project and administrative meetings to maximize the success of the project. With over 25,000 visitors a month to the flagship playground in Palo Alto, California and the subsequent openings of public playgrounds in Redwood City, Sunnyvale, Morgan Hill, Addison School, and CuriOdyssey Museum, Magical Bridge Foundation understands the importance of capturing the spirit and unique needs of the surrounding community — and we look forward to bringing the joy and benefits of play to the Foothill College campus.

Kindness and Community Engagement

Magical Bridge has developed a successful volunteer program for each of its playgrounds. These “Kindness Ambassadors” include everyone from local youth to older adults who work with participants of varying disabilities. They often host craft tables and educational activities as well as put together concerts and events to encourage connections and kindness on the playground. Foothill students will have the opportunity to organize and lead these community efforts.

Help Us Get There!

With extensive financial support from the community, Foothill College has the opportunity to make the vision of these third graders a reality. Please help bring Magical Bridge Playground to Foothill.

For more information, please email Bernadine Fong at fongbernadine@fhda.edu.
For more information on Magical Bridge Playgrounds, visit magicalbridge.org.

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