THE MAGICAL BRIDGE POCKET PARK IS COMING TO NORTH FAIR OAKS
We are thrilled to announce an exciting new collaboration between the St. Francis Center and the Magical Bridge Foundation to bring an inclusive “pocket park” to our beloved North Fair Oaks neighborhood.
The proposed pocket park on Buckingham next to the Casa de Sobrato Apartments will transform an approximately 5,000-square-foot parcel into a vibrant community space welcoming all ages and abilities.
We are especially proud to dedicate a section of the park in honor of our beloved staff member, Tess Rowell Weber, who touched the lives of so many. This will serve as a fitting tribute to her spirit and dedication.
To make this vision a reality, we are seeking donations to support the park’s development, which is estimated to cost around $1.2 million. No matter the size, every contribution will help us create a truly magical space.
Thank you for your support. We look forward to creating a beautiful gathering place for our community.
A TRULY MAGICAL SPACE
The proposed pocket park on Buckingham, adjacent to the Casa de Sobrato Apartments, will transform an approximately 5,000-square-foot parcel into a vibrant, inclusive space designed for all ages and abilities. In this well-established neighborhood, Saint Francis Center recognizes the growing need for accessible open space where residents can gather, play, and connect as a community.
Unlike traditional playgrounds, Magical Bridge Parks are thoughtfully designed through the lens of true inclusion, welcoming individuals of all ages and abilities, including those living with physical, cognitive, sensory, and social-emotional challenges.
At Saint Francis Center, we’ve long focused on providing essential resources like affordable housing. But after the isolation of the pandemic, we saw a deeper need emerge: a place for connection, joy, and shared belonging.
Our vision for this pocket park goes beyond play structures. It’s about creating an environment where older adults feel just as engaged as children, where neighbors of all backgrounds can interact, and where inclusion isn’t just a value, it’s built into the design.
HONORING TESS ROWELL WEBER
This very special park will include a heartfelt tribute to Tess Rowell Weber, a beloved member of the St. Francis Center family who passed away from cancer. Tess was more than just a staff member, she was a beacon of joy, compassion, and quiet strength. Her presence brought warmth and laughter to everyone who knew her, and her deep love for the community she served was undeniable.
To honor her memory, the eighth-grade class at St. Francis Center proposed something beautiful: a mural in the park dedicated to Tess. This mural will feature sunflowers and corgis, two of her favorite things and serve as a lasting reminder of her.
Your gift will support both the creation of the park and the commemorative mural honoring Tess.