How we came to be
In 2020, a group of likeminded, passionate, and experienced individuals of the Hamilton, New Zealand disability community were each following the social media pages of the Magical Bridge Foundation in the USA. Magical Bridge foundation is a not-for-profit that advocates for, designs and builds playgrounds and parks for children and adults of all ages, abilities, sizes.
Already connected personally, they joined together to discuss this innovative and inclusive playground design and investigate the possibility of a magical playground being built in their home community, Hamilton. This conversation was the beginning of the Magical Bridge Trust, New Zealand. The dream to build a Magical Bridge Foundation Playground at Claudelands Park for all members of our community to enjoy and benefit from, is now becoming closer to a reality.
Our journey so far
On 29 June 2022, Hamilton City Council (HCC) unanimously agreed to partner with us to build a Magical Bridge playground at Claudelands Park in Hamilton. The council also agreed to allocate the renewal budget for the old playground as a financial contribution to the new Magical Bridge Playground.
The blessing and official ground-breaking happened in May 2023, with Fluhler Contracting moving in the following week to commence demolition of the old playground and commence construction of the Magical Bridge playground. Completion is scheduled for late 2023 (possibly with a staged approach depending on funding).
The Magical Bridge Trust has a licensing and partnership agreement with the Magical Bridge Foundation in the USA. Our playground will be the first publicly funded Magical Bridge Playground outside of the USA.
Support to date has been immense with local politicians, the mayor herself, key community influencers, community grants & trust boards, many sponsors and suppliers, and community members all joining to support the construction.
Our mission
To deliver a fully inclusive playground to Claudeland’s Park that removes existing barriers for individuals and families with physical or neurological disabilities.
