Newest all-inclusive playground anticipated to open in Rengstorff Park in fall 2024
Mountain View, Calif. — On Wednesday, Nov. 29, the City of Mountain View was joined by partners from the County of Santa Clara and Magical Bridge Foundation for the ceremonial groundbreaking of Mountain View’s all-inclusive Magical Bridge Playground in Rengstorff Park, 201 S. Rengstorff Ave.
Located between the Mountain View Community Center’s parking lot and tennis courts, the playground will provide an innovative play area and companion programming intentionally designed for all ages and abilities, including those with physical, developmental, cognitive and sensory challenges.
”What began as an idea six years ago has now become a reality: bringing a Magical Bridge playground to Mountain View,” said Mayor Alison Hicks. “The new playground at the popular Rengstorff Park will provide a lively play area that provides inclusivity for all ages and physical and cognitive abilities.”
"Our goal was to serve as a catalyst—to see if we could leverage additional funds and create a movement—a movement of inclusion and equity, developing a score or more of the all-inclusive playgrounds," said Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian, who initially proposed the County’s All-Inclusive Playground Grant Program. "Our matching grant program has done just that! And kudos to the city of Mountain View and Magical Bridge for jumping on the opportunity and spreading the good works. More and more all-inclusive playgrounds will follow, with more and more families and communities served, till one day we understand that this is just the way it should be. Hopefully that's the way it will be in the not too distant future, thanks to all who made this particularly magical playground happen."
The playground will contain Magical Bridge’s trademark play zone configuration, including an entry zone with a bridge, tot lot, swing zone, spin zone, innovation zone, slide/climbing zone, and playhouse and stage zone.
Additional amenities include:
- A perimeter fence for safety.
- Rubberized surface for accessibility and safety.
- A nature play area under existing Coast redwoods.
- A Kindness Wall at the main entry.
"At Magical Bridge, inclusive means everyone,” said Olenka Villarreal, Magical Bridge Foundation CEO and Founder. “We thank the city, county supervisors and many generous donors for their incredible support. Once open to the public, this new playground will provide opportunities for multigenerational connections, volunteer and companion programs, and create many magical moments for the whole family!"
In conjunction with the playground project, the Community Center parking lot will be extended to include accessible parking stalls for playground and park users. New ADA compliant restrooms are also being constructed between the playground and tennis courts at Rengstorff Park.
The playground project is being funded through the following sources:
- $3.3 million in Park Land Dedication funds
- $1.7 million County of Santa Clara grant.
- $1.2 million in Magical Bridge Foundation donations.
- $230,000 California State Parks Bond per Capita grant.
- $900,000 Community Benefit funds from Google.
The construction cost is $5.8 million for the playground with a total project cost of $7.3 million.
Construction is already underway, and the playground is scheduled for completion in fall 2024.
View the news release in Spanish, Chinese, and Russian.
About the City of Mountain View
Located between the Santa Cruz Mountains and San Francisco Bay, Mountain View is a diverse community with an estimated population of 83,601. Mountain View covers just over 12 square miles, featuring over 1,000 acres of park and wildlife areas including the 750-acre wildlife and recreation area called Shoreline at Mountain View. In the heart of Silicon Valley, Mountain View is home to a vibrant downtown and headquarters to many nationally and internationally known corporations including Google, LinkedIn, Intuit and NASA’s Ames Research Center. For more information, visit MountainView.gov.
About Magical Bridge Foundation
Magical Bridge Foundation, a non-profit organization headquartered in Palo Alto, California, creates multigenerational playgrounds, parks, and programs for more inclusive communities. Drawing from over a decade of research-driven innovation, Magical Bridge redefines inclusivity by uniquely exploring the intersection of universal design and community impact to produce outdoor spaces and programs that transcend both physical and social barriers. With seven award-winning playgrounds currently open and many more in development around the world, Magical Bridge proudly champions the vision that all ages and abilities deserve to benefit from the magic of play, community connections, and a sense of belonging. Through collaboration with cities, developers, and landscape architects, Magical Bridge extends the impact of its work to public parks, schools, zoos, and museums worldwide. In addition to a turnkey design-build model, licensing opportunities ensure the Magical Bridge brand, designs, and programs are catalysts for kinder and more inclusive societies everywhere. Magical Bridge invites you to join the movement toward a brighter future where all public spaces and programs reflect the diversity and unity of the people they serve — a world where inclusion means everyone.
