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Magical Bridge creates the world’s most inclusive playgrounds and programs. 

Founded 2016 in Palo Alto, California

Our story

The first Magical Bridge

Magical Bridge began when founder Olenka Villarreal searched for a playground that could truly serve both her daughters—Ava, born with disabilities, and her older sister, Emma—and found none that welcomed the whole family. Determined to change that, Olenka mobilized volunteers, raised private funds, and brought Palo Alto’s Magical Bridge to life: the world’s first multigenerational playground intentionally designed for all ages and abilities.

A recognized leader

Built to be fully accessible for the full range of physical, cognitive, and social disabilities, Magical Bridge is recognized globally as the gold standard in inclusive play. It thoughtfully serves children, parents, and grandparents, creating places where families and neighbors of every ability can play, gather, and connect.

Growing globally

As awareness grows and playground companies begin to embrace accessibility, Magical Bridge remains unique: inclusive is not an add-on; it’s the design. Through continued innovation, partnerships, and community-driven support, Magical Bridge is expanding its model—bringing joyful, inclusive play to communities worldwide.

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Founder and CEO Olenka Villarreal with daughters Ava and Emma
MERCH
BROCHURE

Magical Bridge by the numbers

Our growing community of play

April 2015 - Founding 2016

2017 - 2025

2026 - our global future

In April 2015, after 7 years of research, the first Magical Bridge playground opens in Palo Alto and soon attracts 20,000 visitors per month. As interest mounts, Magical Bridge Foundation is founded in 2016 to create inclusive playgrounds in neighboring communities.

Magical Bridge continues to grow, opening 5 more destination playgrounds across the SF Bay Area and our first international playground in New Zealand, followed by 2 more in Singapore. Magical Bridge introduces school solutions with 3 sites and specialty playgrounds for museums, zoos, and community centers.

Today, Magical Bridge has playgrounds of all sizes in development around the world, including a new partnership with Cruyff Foundation to bring Magical Bridge to the Netherlands. A new flexible licensing model enables Magical Bridge to work with cities, developers, and design partners to meet any size and budget.

M A G I C A L

7

Seven values we practice on the playground — and everywhere else.

Media highlights

VIDEO

Magical Bridge Playgrounds and Programs Overview

Learn about Magical Bridge, our groundbreaking inclusive playground design and community programs

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VIDEO

PBS NewsHour features Magical Bridge

A playground for everyone, no matter your age or ability
By Megan Thompson

and Melanie Saltzman

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VIDEO

TedX San Francisco

Intentional design 

Learn about the importance of inclusive design across all public spaces from Founder and CEO Olenka Villarreal

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VIDEO

NBC BayArea Proud feature Magical Tennis

Los Altos tennis-playing teens who grew up at Magical Bridge inspired to start clinic for neurodivergent individuals

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Internationally recognized, award-winning design

Backed by decades of research and universal design expertise, Magical Bridge delivers award-winning playgrounds and programs for innovative inclusion. 

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Awards and recognition

2026 Best Entertainment (Rated)

Magical Bridge Morgan Hill

2025 Best Community Resource

San Andreas Regional Center

2025 Gold -  Inclusive Space

Anthem Awards

2024 Mayor's Award 

Magical Bridge Sunnyvale

2016 Best Playground

San Francisco Magazine

2016 Community Impact Award

Silicon Valley Structures

2015 Frontline Park Award

Magical Bridge Palo Alto

2015 Award of Excellence

California Park and Rec Society

Partners in inclusion

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What’s next?

Visit a playground

Build a playground

Support us

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