We, the undersigned, urge Atherton's Park and Recreation Committee and City Council to reconsider the current plan to merely replace the existing playground at Holbrook Palmer Park with a new version of the same structure. Instead, we advocate for the creation of a neighborhood-sized Magical Bridge Playground in Atherton. This multigenerational space would be designed to honor the Park's natural aesthetics and embody our community’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity.

The proposed plan to replace the old playground with a new but similarly inaccessible structure is a missed opportunity to create a space that welcomes everyone in our community, including people with disabilities and older adults. Instead, we need a playground that reflects our town’s innovative spirit and forward-thinking solutions, one that encourages community connections and is accessible to all ages and abilities.

With a decade of research behind them, Magical Bridge Playgrounds are celebrated for being the world’s most innovative and inclusive play spaces. From its first playground in Palo Alto, Magical Bridge has successfully expanded to Redwood City, CuriOdyssey in San Mateo, Morgan Hill, Sunnyvale, and even internationally, creating beloved community hubs.

The benefits of a Magical Bridge Playground are numerous:

• Inclusivity: People of all abilities can play together, fostering bonds and understanding.
• Multigenerational Engagement: Encourages older adults to experience the benefits of community and exercise, including our Town's many grandparents who want to actively engage in their grandchildren's play.
• Community Building: These playgrounds are natural gathering places where friendships blossom and community ties strengthen.  

We have successfully come together in the recent past to create a world-class civic center and library in Atherton. Now is the time to similarly reimagine our town’s only playground.

Let’s invest in a playground that truly reflects our town’s innovative and inclusive values. By choosing Magical Bridge, we create a space that brings together residents of all ages and abilities, enriching our community in countless ways.

Sign this petition to show your support for a Magical Bridge Playground in Atherton. Let’s build a playground that stands as a testament to our commitment to innovation and community for everyone.