What Makes This Park Unique?

Poured Rubber Surfacing

• Wheelchairs get trapped in sandpits
• Leg braces get caught in narrow pathways
• Visually impaired children trip over the uneven surfaces in today’s parks
• Disabled children sit on sidelines while typical peers play
• Excluding children early on leads to social isolation and effects both them, and our community dramatically
• Many children with special needs are excessively oral and tend to put the bark and sand in their mouths. Barefoot activities are painful in the rough bark chips.

Ramping System

• A fluid system allows all children to experience the benefits of all the play equipment.
• Ramps encourage multiple motor skills and offer various panels along the way. Kids learn by reaching, pushing, pulling and grasping.
• Typical and non-typical kids enjoy activities that challenge them to their individual limits.
• Playing is excellent physical therapy!

Shade

• The area in consideration is a shady wonderland
• No trees will be removed to accommodate this new play structure
• Shade provides reduced stimuli for children with conditions such as autism, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy.
• Most parks are almost entirely exposed to the harshness of the sun, which makes park visits unbearable for many children.

Sizing Sensitivities

• Chronological and developmental ages of children with special needs are rarely the same
• Children limited to wheelchairs could access panels and other activities because of adjusted sizing and equipment placements
• Parents with mobility issues could follow their children around all areas of the playground
• Such an easy modification, with such a huge impact!

Everyone is Challenged to their Abilities

• Horizontal ladders and upper body peddlers increase multiple motor skills
• Rubberized surfacing builds on all skills like running, jumping and it provides access to the whole park
• Panels provide a variety of games for all kids to play together
• Bucket swings give non-typical kids access to vestibular movement, which enhances all areas of skill building

Fully Accessible Playhouse and Stage

• Master playhouse designer, Barbara Butler, will build both an accessible playhouse and community stage to enhance everyone’s imagination!
• Social stigma begins early on. Let’s ensure our kids know that friends come in all shapes, sizes and abilities.

Ross Recreation & Landscape Structures

• Landscape Structures is the premier playground equipment manufacturer;
• Ross is the reputable distributor who has installed the equipment for most of Palo Alto’s existing parks.
• Equipment warranty is 5 years
• Sustainability and Global Re-Leaf Programs
• Environmentally responsible companies
• Heavy-metal free plastic parts
• Lead-free and non-toxic finishes

The Friends of the Magical Bridge is part of The Friends of the Palo Alto Parks, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization since 2003. Our tax ID number is 56-2424-518.