Community Connections Series: Magical Bridge Foundation
The City of Palo Alto provides high quality community services and programs to its residents through its many libraries, parks, community facilities, recreation programs, art and cultural centers, with special consideration for its vulnerable populations such as seniors, children, and people with disabilities. The City also relies on other service providers and nonprofit partners to deliver and enhance community services.
This new series celebrates our partners who are helping us build community and foster connectedness through the work they do on behalf of the City advancing the City Council’s 2024 priority Community Health, Safety, Wellness & Belonging.
The US Surgeon General reports that 84% of Americans do not feel attached to their local community, fueling an epidemic of loneliness and isolation across all age groups. The isolation created by the COVID-19 pandemic further amplified the need for human connection and creating a community that works for all.
In the first of our community connections series, we are featuring Magical Bridge Foundation! Palo Alto’s Magical Bridge Playground is a tremendous asset for our community to move, have fun, and play. Learn about new programs, classes, and events offered through an enhanced partnership between Magical Bridge Foundation and the City that advances inclusion and belonging for our community with varying abilities and ages.
Magical Bridge Playground
We take pride in that Palo Alto is home to the first Magical Bridge Playground, which opened in 2015. Palo Alto’s Magical Bridge Playground is an inclusive playground, attracting visitors of all ages and all abilities and spawning additional playgrounds across the Bay Area. The playground continues to be a popular hub for outdoor fun and play for the whole community.
Although playgrounds and parks are vital for community connection and healthy outdoor activity at every stage of life, most designs can overlook the needs of the 42.5 million Americans living with a physical, cognitive, or sensory disability, autism, a medically fragile condition, or the effects of aging.
Through innovative design and community programs for all ages and abilities, Magical Bridge removes the physical and social barriers of typical playgrounds and parks to give everyone a place to play, move, discover, reflect, and connect.
Magical Activities to Engage All
While the playground is a hub for outdoor activity, programs have expanded to other areas such as concerts, theater, and activities like dance classes. Since 2018, the City has been partnering with Magical Bridge Foundation to offer an annual summer concert series and “Magical Series” classes and performances with the Palo Alto Children’s Theater that welcomes audiences of all ages and abilities, focusing on developmental rather than chronological ages, offering adjusted sensory environments and reduced group sizes.
Plus, the City now offers Spectrum-friendly story acting and Super Family Sundays at the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo for families with children with disabilities. Programs are mindful of developmental rather than chronological age, and feature adjusted sensory environments, and smaller classes. People of all abilities and ages are welcome to take part and build connections.
Expanding Inclusion in Palo Alto
New this year, the City Council approved $150,000 to the Magical Bridge Foundation to advance new “Magical Series” community programs and events. In addition, Magical Bridge’s “Kindness Ambassador Program” encourages adult and teen volunteers of all abilities to promote kindness and inclusion activities on and off the playground. The volunteers facilitate events, crafts, and activities for all ages and abilities; create social media video and photo content; meet new friends and promote kindness everywhere; add meaningful experience to college/work applications; and make Magical Bridge Playground and events a welcoming place for all.
A full list of Magical Bridge offerings can be found on their website at Magical Bridge Palo Alto.
In addition, the Community Services Department recently hired a Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator to toto ensure that all community members can fully participate in our programs and events, managing a new accommodation request process. As a way to foster inclusivity and accessibly for all, they will also develop inclusive recreation programs, activities, and events. These initiatives will help ensure that everyone has access to enriching experiences, increasing a sense of belonging in Palo Alto.
Learn more about the City’s inclusive recreational offerings and accommodation support.
Upcoming Events & Activities
Mark your calendar for new events and classes! As part of the City’s enhanced partnership with Magical Bridge Foundation, join us for magical tennis and connect through canine companions.
Tennis Classes: In October, the City brought back the popular magical multi-session tennis class thoughtfully designed for neurodiverse players and open to people of all abilities. The City is offering more tennis classes on Nov. 10 and Nov. 17.
Canine Companions: This program invites participants to connect with furry friends from Canine Companions and learn how resource dogs play an important role in our lives. The next class in Mitchell Park is Dec. 1.
Bridges in Music and Hands-On Music Magic: Enjoy a magical classical concert in Mitchell Park, performed by Bridges in Music and followed by hands-on music time hosted by inspiring teen musicians! The next concert will take place on Dec. 1.
To get involved in Magical Bridge, including volunteering as a Kindness Ambassador, go here.
To learn more about Magical Bridge’s innovative structures and technology go here.
For Kindness Kits that help teachers and parents teach kindness and empathy through short and sweet activities go here.
More Online Resources
