Palo Alto Mitchell Park's Magical Bridge Playground is no doubt impressive, but I imagine at significant upkeep. The place looks haggard after only a couple of years of use.

I support building more playground, as it helps build community and safe haven for children. But logistic concerns must be addressed also.

What have you seen there that make you say it looks haggard? I have not seen it. Don't all playgrounds that are well used look haggard?

I just wonder if there is something specific about the Magical Bridge that leads to looking haggard after just a couple of years.
Would like to hear more.

Hi Phil and Mountain View friends,

The reason Palo Alto's Magical Bridge playground looks more worn than most parks, is because we are averaging about 15,000 visitors a month! The volume of guests this playground sees in a month far exceeds what some parks have in years and we are thrilled people like what we've created - a team of volunteers and what started as an idea to build a park where all members of a community can enjoy. Over 50% of our visitors come from outside Palo Alto. In fact, this is why Santa Clara County grant funds have been allocated to help create more playgrounds like Magical Bridge for other communities so families have places to play closer to home.

What you call "haggard," we called "beloved" and we're thrilled that kids and families are coming out to play!. What good is an empty playground? The first of its kind, Magical Bridge has been designed to delight all ages and all abilities. If you are not yet familiar with why our playground is enthusiastically being brought into the Mountain View community (and others) kindly check out www.magicalbridge.org.

Phil, we invite you to hop on a swing, strum a melody on our laser harp or get to know our fun Kindness Ambassadors! Our foundation is helping to raise funds for the Mountain View's Magical Bridge and we will look forward to being part of this magical community soon! Thanks for your comments.

Olenka Villarreal
Founder, Palo Alto's Magical Bridge playground
Co-Founder, Magical Bridge Foundation (a 501c3)