HELP US CREATE A MAGICAL SPACE
We are excited to announce the launch of the Magical Bridge Pocket Park landing page on the St. Francis Center website. We are actively seeking donations and sponsorships to raise the $1.2 million needed to break ground on the park by the end of the year.
Located on Buckingham next to the Casa de Sobrato Apartments, the park will transform an approximately 5,000-square-foot parcel into a vibrant community space welcoming individuals of all ages and abilities.
The Magical Bridge Pocket Park is a collaboration between the St. Francis Center and the Magical Bridge Foundation to bring a first-of-its-kind inclusive “pocket park” to the St. Francis Center community in the North Fair Oaks neighborhood.
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.
DID YOU KNOW?
According to the Trust for Public Land, a national award-winning nonprofit, every resident in the U.S. should have access to a quality park within a 10-minute walk from their home. We strongly believe in their 10-Minute Walk initiative, which strives to close the park equity divide by connecting everyone to the outdoors, specifically through the creation of parks in urban areas and underserved communities.
- One in three U.S. residents does not have a park or green space within a 10-minute walk from home.
- 100 million people, including 28 million children, do not have access to parks.
- There is currently no park in the St. Francis Center community of North Fair Oaks!
We are taking action to change this by building a park where our community can relax and enjoy the beauty of fresh air together!
WHAT MAKES MAGICAL BRIDGE SPECIAL
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 the St. Francis Center, we have long focused on providing essential resources like affordable housing. However, following the isolation caused by the pandemic, we recognized a growing need for a place that fosters connection, joy, and a sense of shared belonging.
We’re excited to create a pocket park that fosters connection for everyone! Our vision is to design a vibrant space where both older adults and children can engage and interact. We aim to ensure that inclusion is woven into every aspect, welcoming neighbors of all backgrounds to enjoy this special place together!
Thank you for your support. We look forward to creating a beautiful gathering place for our community.
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.