The playground includes various zones and features an outdoor classroom, a musical harp, slides, swings, spinning equipment and more.
Cecelia Ponzini, with scissors, cuts the ribbon at the Magical Bridge Inclusive Playground along with her husband Gary Ponzini and others. Photo courtesy Edward Boss Prado Foundation
This editorial is the opinion of Morgan Hill Life
The South Valley just opened a wonderful new attraction for local families to come together and play. Located in Morgan Hill’s scenic Community Park, the Magical Bridge Inclusive Playground is designed for visitors of all ages and abilities. As many as 1,000 people came for the grand opening on a recent beautiful Saturday morning.
The playground started as the dream of Ron and Shirlee Locicero, Morgan Hill residents who developed the idea of an area where all children — and especially those with disabilities — could interact in a spirit of fun. During the course of eight years, the $6.3-million venue became a reality thanks to many partnerships with organizations and members of the Morgan Hill community.
The playground includes various zones and features an outdoor classroom, a musical harp, slides, swings, spinning equipment and more. A focal point of the venue is the two-story playhouse that comes complete with a stage where audiences will see performances such as dance, story-telling and poetry readings. This playhouse was sponsored by the Edward Boss Prado Foundation. The nonprofit donated $70,000 and is also providing additional funds for the ongoing maintenance of the equipment.
“The Magical Bridge Playhouse is not only a legacy to our beloved son, Edward, but a legacy for my family, the city of Morgan Hill, and all donors,” said Cecelia Ponzini, CEO of the foundation.
The playhouse was designed by Barbara Butler of Barbara Butler Artist-Builder, Inc. “Each Magical Bridge Playhouse is slightly different, incorporating input from the local community and adapting to the site,” she said. “I love building imaginative play spaces for kids, especially when the playground is designed for everyone in our community, regardless of ability.”
The inclusive playground received a $2.15-million grant from Santa Clara County and the city of Morgan Hill contributed another $3.5-million grant and donated the playground’s land. About $400,000 in donations came from families and local businesses. The Lociceros also worked with the Santa Clara County Office of Education’s board president Claudia Rossi and others to find $200,000 to build an outdoor classroom at the location.
Now that our long-awaited specialized playground is open for public use, the South Valley community must play its part in making sure it is maintained for the enjoyment of families over the coming years. The COVID-19 crisis has impacted the city of Morgan Hill’s finances and residents will need to help to ensure the community can maintain the play equipment and accompanying facilities such as the high-tech restrooms. This help is needed in the areas of continued fundraising and future commitment to volunteer.
The city plans to start an endowment fund for maintenance and money is now being collected. This will include an opportunity for those who have not already donated to get their name on the donor wall or those that have contributed to increase their donation. In addition to donating, those who are able to commit their time should consider signing up to volunteer as a playground Magical Ambassador. This role will require a minimum of five hours of volunteer time a month, and it can be divided into two 2.5-hour spans of work. The job includes greeting visitors and making sure they are not bringing in foods or beverages (with the exception of water) that may degrade the spongy flooring around equipment designed to keep children from hurting themselves. Ambassadors will also promote the playground as a place where everyone gets along in the spirit of fun and kindness.
Everyone throughout the South Valley and the surrounding region is welcomed to visit this crown jewel in our local community parks. Let’s team together to preserve the Magical Bridge Inclusive Playground as a legacy for children and adults of all abilities to gather and play together.
