REPORT TO PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Presentation by the Magical Bridge Foundation
Report
BACKGROUND
The City entered into an agreement with the Magical Bridge Foundation to design, build and partially fund a Magical Bridge All Inclusive Playground in Central Park (Project). This new playground will replace the 1960’s era Arbor Center Playground on the Kiely Boulevard side of the park. The playground project will be funded through City funding in the amount of $1.8 million dollars, an All Inclusive Playground Grant from the County of Santa Clara in the amount of $1.7 million dollars and additional funding of at least $1 million dollars raised by the Magical Bridge Foundation through individual, community and corporate support.
Over the last several years the City Council has adopted a goal to “enhance parks and recreation assets” and supported new park and playground standards that embrace inclusion and age-friendly design. The recently rehabilitated Bowers Park Playground implemented these design standards.
The design standards promote community health and wellness and are appropriate for all persons and all abilities of users. The Magical Bridge Playground in Central Park will be approximately one acre in size, provide distinct zones of play with each play element, offered in multiple ways. It will address the developmental needs of children and the physical, cognitive and social needs of all playground guests, and foster positive connections with others.
Magical Bridge Foundation will engage the whole community to increase awareness for the benefits of the All-Inclusive Playground and to solicit needed financial support for the completion of the Project and necessary park improvements that will support community access and use of the play space.
DISCUSSION
Representatives from the Magical Bridge Foundation will provide a brief Project overview and opportunities for the community to be involved in the fundraising effort and playground design.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for this Project in the amount of $1.8 million dollars has been allocated by the City of Santa Clara, and a matching grant (All-Inclusive Playground Grant) awarded by the County of Santa Clara in the amount of $1.7 million dollars. Additional funding of at least $1 million dollars is needed to be raised by the Magical Bridge Foundation through individual, community and corporate support to complete the Project and other necessary park improvements that will support community access and use of the play space.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Commission agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
None.
Staff
Reviewed by: Kimberly Castro, Recreation Manager
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS- None.