The City of Santa Clara, in partnership with the Magical Bridge Foundation, broke ground on the Magical Bridge Playground, Santa Clara’s newest all-inclusive play space in Central Park.
Working with landscape architect, Groundworks, and builder by Robert A. Bothman Construction, Magical Bridge Playground will provide a safe and inclusive space for all ages and abilities. Nestled among the redwoods and sycamores in Central Park, the playground will be purpose-built to serve the entire community, including those living with physical and cognitive disabilities, autism, visual and hearing impairments, as well as Santa Clara’s aging population.
The Santa Clara City Council is committed to enhancing community sports, recreation, and art assets. To achieve this goal, the City of Santa Clara Parks & Recreation Department has developed playground design standards to promote and support community health and wellness, child development, the natural environment and inclusion for all ages and abilities. Working together with inclusion experts, the Magical Bridge Playground will surpass minimum ADA requirements and benefit everyone in the community, regardless of ability.
“We have a legacy of providing wonderful parks and recreational assets where families, friends, and neighbors, young and old, play together, enjoy the outdoors together and make memories together,” said Mayor Lisa M. Gillmor. “We are excited to add Magical Bridge Playground to our list of amazing playground facilities – ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or ability, is able to enjoy everything our parks have to offer.”
The playground will include a child zone for ages 2-5, spin zone, swing zone, slide mound, imagination zone (two-story playhouse), improvements to the existing amphitheater terrace seating, a donor entry plaza, improved picnic area, and rehabilitation of the adjacent Arbor Center restroom.
This project was paid for by generous community donors, the City of Santa Clara, the County of Santa Clara, special funding from the State of California and the Magical Bridge Foundation. Anticipated project completion is fall 2024. Visit the Magical Bridge Santa Clara webpage for more.