A MILESTONE WORTH CELEBRATING: 40 YEARS OF SERVICE & A FUTURE OF INCLUSIVE PLAY
On September 26, 2026, St. Francis Center brought together community members, local leaders, and generous funding partners for a special Gratitude Ceremony at the future site of the Magical Bridge Pocket Park in North Fair Oaks. Held in conjunction with St. Francis Center’s 40th Anniversary Community Block Party, the ceremony celebrated a remarkable milestone: the park is fully funded, thanks to the generosity and shared commitment of a community that believes everyone deserves a place to belong.
The morning’s celebration featured remarks from St. Francis Center leadership and key project partners, including representatives from the Magical Bridge Foundation, San Mateo County, Sequoia Healthcare District, and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Together, they recognized the collective generosity that will transform a vacant lot on Buckingham Avenue into a welcoming, inclusive space for children and families of all abilities.
Honoring a Legacy of Love and Service
One of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony was a special dedication honoring Tess Weber, a beloved longtime member of the St. Francis Center community who devoted two decades to serving local families. In recognition of her lasting impact, a portion of the future Magical Bridge Pocket Park will be dedicated to her memory. The ceremony included a symbolic sunflower tribute, inviting attendees to honor Tess’s legacy of compassion, kindness, and service.
Looking Ahead: Bringing the Magical Bridge Pocket Park to Life
As St. Francis Center celebrates 40 years of serving the North Fair Oaks community, the Magical Bridge Pocket Park represents an exciting next chapter. With funding secured and permitting moving forward, groundbreaking is anticipated in 2027. Once complete, the 5,500-square-foot park will provide a much-needed, universally accessible gathering space where children of all abilities can play, families can connect, and neighbors can experience the joy of belonging.
Thank you to every donor, partner, and community member who helped make this vision possible. The best is yet to come!
A MAGICAL SPACE IS COMING TO NORTH FAIR OAKS
The future of inclusive play is coming to North Fair Oaks! Thanks to extraordinary community generosity, the Magical Bridge Pocket Park is now fully funded and moving closer to becoming a reality.
Supported by a $400,000 investment from the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, major philanthropic contributions, and donations from local families and neighbors, this exciting project will transform a vacant lot on Buckingham Avenue into a vibrant, accessible space for children and families of all abilities.
With funding secured, the project is moving through the permitting process, with groundbreaking anticipated in 2027.
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.
Attendees were invited to take a sunflower in honor of Tess Weber during our 40th Anniversary block party and graduation ceremony. A portion of the park will be dedicated to her memory. Pictured here is Kathleen Hamilton, Teacher, Holy Family School.