Magical Harps, 2015 – present
The Magical Harps are a series of accessible, permanent, outdoor interactive play sculptures. Played by moving or dancing through the sculptures’ virtual “strings,” Lewin’s harps create depth and tone that complement accessible public activity and random or organized play.
Magical Bridge Playground is the nation’s most innovative-inclusive playground, designed and built for visitors of all abilities. Designed to be a socially inclusive playground for children of varying physical and cognitive abilities, the Magical Bridge addresses the unique play needs of the many kinds of children in the community, creating awareness that today’s park designs are overlooking so many: the growing autistic population, visually and hearing impaired, physically limited and even our aging community.
Ashaun’s harmonious harp: 2019, Red-tailed hawk park, aurora, co
This inclusive playground was created as part of a wish from Ashaun, a 7-year-old Aurora resident who lives near Red-tailed Hawk Park. The Make-A-Wish Foundation contacted City of Aurora staff in the fall of 2017 explaining that this young man and his family would love to see a fully accessible playground at the park because his favorite thing to do is to be with other kids who are laughing and playing.
2020, red morton park, redwood city, CA
The Redwood City Council approved a partnership with the Magical Bridge Foundation to build an innovative and inclusive playground, which opened at Red Morton Park in late 2020. Designed to be socially inclusive for children and adults of varying physical and cognitive abilities, Magical Bridge Redwood City aims to go beyond typical playground designs, which often overlook the growing autistic population, cognitively challenged individuals, the visually and hearing impaired, the physically limited, and the aging population. The Magical Bridge Foundation collaborated with Redwood City on its second location due to its progressive parks and recreation program, financial generosity, and diverse community.
2022, community park, morgan hill, CA
Magical Bridge Playground in Morgan Hill’s Community Park is free and open to the public from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week, with thousands of guests visiting this all-inclusive playground. Located in the playground’s Music Zone, the harp creates a meaningful musical experience. The brain processes music in a different area than speech and language; therefore, for those who have difficulty communicating verbally, music provides a way to express themselves in a non-verbal manner. When one moves through the harp, musical notes play as the invisible laser beams are broken, allowing people of all abilities to play together.
2024, central park, santa clara, ca
The City of Santa Clara and the Magical Bridge Foundation welcomed visitors to the ninth Magical Bridge Playground in 2024. Located in the park’s Innovation Zone, the Magical Harp consists of a 24-string laser harp. The tones are tuned to a pentatonic scale, which is soothing and creates a calm, beautiful symphony of sounds no matter which notes are played.
