The Magical Bridge Playground In Northern California Is The Stuff Of Childhood Dreams

No matter your age, it’s hard to resist a playground. There’s just something about the fresh air, fun climbing structures, and opportunities for play that take us back to our childhood. In Northern California, you’ll find a unique themed playground that redefines inclusivity and recreational play.

Jason McMinn/Google Maps

The Redwood City Magical Bridge Playground design was a collaboration between SSA Landscape Architects of Santa Cruz, the Redwood City Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department and The Magical Bridge Foundation. This unique themed playground encompasses innovative designs and play structures and areas that remove physical and social barriers.

Artem Russakovskii/Google Maps

Although we may not realize it, traditional playgrounds exclude many members of society. According to the Foundation, "Magical Bridge finally includes the 1-in-4 of us living with physical and cognitive disabilities, autism, visual and hearing impairments, the medically fragile, and our aging population."

Advertisement

Related Stories

The Stunning Building In Northern California That Looks Just Like Hogwarts

Most People Don’t Know About These Strange Ruins Hiding In Northern California

The Beautiful Northern California Library That Looks Like Something From A Book Lover's Dream

Artem Russakovskii/Google Maps

For example, to the right you can see part of one of the swings in the Swing and Sway Zone. This area is designed to use the magic of swinging to increase concentration, develop and restore balance, and soothe and relax the user.

Advertisement

Taya Feldman/Google Maps

The "Slide Mounds" at this unique themed playground are wider to accommodate family members sliding down together, and are wheelchair-accessible. Moreover, they promote growth and development, help improve balance and spatial orientation, and help users build strength and good coordination skills.

There is also a Playhouse and Stage, a whimsical area featuring a performance stage designed to promote imaginative play and encourage social collaboration between "performers." Much more than a play area, it is a reflection of how a segment of society works together to bring a project or mission to fruition

Yan Zhou/Google Maps

All over this area you’ll find kindness affirmations and messages that were chosen by children living in Redwood City. Hand-painted by a local mural artist they are inspiring, teaching and reminding us all how our actions—especially basic kindness—make a difference in our homes,

In addition to the whimsical play, this unique themed playground really does create a bridge across racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, physical, and emotional boundaries. Now that’s magical! In addition to Redwood City, you can find Magical Bridge Playgrounds in Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Morgan Hill, and Santa Clara.

Have you been to the Magical Bridge Playground? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there. You can also find out about the playgrounds on their Facebook page.

If you’re interested in enjoying some fun water play during the warm months, be sure to check out Velocity Island Park.