Palo Alto’s Magical Bridge Playground Readies For Reopening

PALO ALTO, CA – Palo Alto’s Magical Bridge Playground will open next week under new coronavirus protocols, city officials announced in a Medium post.

The playground that’s become a national model for being accessible to children with disabilities will reopen Nov. 17.

The reopening is the culmination of a partnership between the city and the Palo Alto-based Magical Bridge Foundation.

The interactive and inclusive playground welcomed an average 25,000 visitors a month before shuttering amid shelter orders that went into effect March 17.

“The goal of the City of Palo Alto and the Magical Bridge Foundation is to keep everyone safe and healthy, while enjoying the ‘magic’ of play at Palo Alto’s Magical Bridge Playground,” Palo Alto Community Services Director Kristen O’Kane said in a statement.

“Thank you to the Magical Bridge Foundation, our community, City employee teams and volunteers for working with us to reopen safely.”

The reopening guidelines under due to the coronavirus include:

• Capacity will be capped at 55 people at one time.
• “Kindness Ambassador” volunteers will monitor visitors to insure social-distancing and mask-wearing requirements are adhered to.
• Play time will be limited to 30 minutes per group.
• All visitors will be required to wear masks.
• Food or beverages and personal toys will be prohibited.