Retreat Hut at El Carmelo All-Inclusive Playground
The All-Inclusive Playground at El Carmelo opened on October 18th, one of the first partnerships between Magical Bridge Foundation and a public school to provide accessible play. Although small, this playground includes several key pieces of accessible playground equipment, including an embankment slide, a spinner disc, an inclusive twister, several nest seat swings, and of course, the signature Retreat Hut.
Originally designed for the Magical Bridge Playgrounds, the Retreat Hut can provide a quiet space in any play area. Sustainable Redwood & Accoya construction is stained in relaxing shades of blue on the outside. The inside is a warm honey color, with both benches and floor space for a wheelchair. Hand carved details add interest to the inside without being overwhelming. The Retreat Hut for El Carmelo is a 7x7 hut, smaller then the original 8x8 Magical Bridge Retreat Huts, but still large enough to accommodate a wheelchair.
Above, Barbara with Magical Bridge Founder & CEO Olenka Villareal (center) enjoy Opening Day at the playground with kids, teachers and families from the neighborhood. The playground was partially funded by Santa Clara County’s All-Inclusive Playground Grant Program (AIPG), a program that is now looking to be revived for a third round of funding to provide more funds to local jurisdictions and non-profits looking to add inclusive play areas to their communities. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors is looking to revive this program due to the success and overwhelming popularity of the inclusive playgrounds built to date, proving how important inclusive design is for any community. You can read more about the reviving of the grant program here.
