
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.

Founder and CEO Olenka Villarreal with daughters Ava and Emma
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.
Media highlights

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.




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












