Ava's Bridge
Every Magical Bridge Playground has many special features that recognize the inspiration behind the concept of magical play for people of all abilities (the Kindness Corners, Donors Walls, Hideaway Huts, etc.) but from the beginning, Ava’s Bridge has become the physical manifestation and symbol of this concept.
Although each one is constructed a little differently, and serves a slightly different practical purpose, they all serve as a reminder of the playground’s guiding principle, building a bridge between people of different abilities.
As we are about to install our 5th Ava’s Bridge, let’s look back at all the bridges we have built for the magical community.
The Inspiration Behind the Name
Ava, Emma and Olenka Villarreal
Magical Bridge founder, Olenka Villarreal, began researching and envisioning an inclusive playground after the birth of her second daughter, Ava. Realizing that the majority of community playgrounds were built with a narrow vision of abilities, where her older daughter Emma could play and build relationships, but her younger daughter Ava was frequently unable to participate due to her different abilities, Olenka founded Magical Bridge Foundation and began designing the first Magical Bridge Playground.
Ava’s Bridge at Magical Bridge Palo Alto
The first Ava’s Bridge was born out of necessity. A bio-retention area needed to be covered and so Barbara helped design this long, curving bridge with colorful posts and rope netting that would provide an accessible route.
Ava’s Bridge at Magical Bridge Redwood City
One of our favorite Ava’s Bridge’s is at the Redwood City Playground. Colorful details and cutouts that help make the completely flat bridge look arched from below really help this bridge stand out, while also maintaining the playgrounds accessibility.
See the building of this bridge at our shop: Ava’s Bridge at the Shop
Check out the process of installing this bridge: Ava’s Bridge Installation
Ava’s Bridge at Magical Bridge Sunnyvale
This classic bridge combines utility with decoration as it spans a bio-retention area while providing a glimpse of the castle styling of the playhouse.
Read more about our installation at Magical Bridge Sunnyvale: Magical Bridge Sunnyvale
Ava’s Bridge at Magical Bridge Morgan Hill
Much in the same style as Sunnyvale, Ava’s Bridge at the Morgan Hill playground serves the purpose of providing access over bio-retention while also complimenting the style of the playhouse. This bridge also serves as a connection to the elevated walkways that lead to the playhouse.
Read more about building this bridge: Building Magical Bridges for Morgan Hill
Read more about installing this bridge: Flyin’ in the Bridges
… And finally, the 5th installment of this inspirational bridge, soon to open in Santa Clara!
Building one the bridge panels and adding the cutouts. Did you know we add the cutouts after the panel has been built?
We carve around the cutouts to make clean lines when adding the stain.
And finally over to our stain department where our colorful stains will really make those cutouts pop!
The reverse arch of this bridge will really make it stand out and make an architectural statement at the entrance to the Santa Clara Magical Bridge Playground. It is fascinating to see how the arches are made. In the above left photo you can see how multiple pieces of wood have been glued together and curved to make a beautiful inverted arch.
See the new Ava’s Bridge in person when Magical Bridge Santa Clara opens late this summer!