Daly City approves $7 million Magical Bridge playground at Hillside Park; design‑build contract awarded

Daly City’s City Council on Jan. 13 approved a plan and funding package to build a Magical Bridge all‑abilities playground at Hillside Park and awarded a design‑build contract to the team of Robert A. Boffman and Verde Design.

Director Chu told the council the overall project cost is estimated at $7,000,000 and that a design‑build proposal from Robert A. Boffman and Verde Design totaled $5,490,514. Chu said the project account currently held about $3,800,000 and that additional funding would be appropriated to fully fund the scope.

Why it matters: the Magical Bridge model is an inclusive, universally accessible playground design that the Magical Bridge Foundation has placed in several Bay Area communities. Council members and staff emphasized the project’s role as a regional draw and an important asset for families, seniors and residents with disabilities.

Funding and procurement details given to the council: the original grant funding for the project derived from a $4,000,000 grant received in 2022; staff described reallocation and subsequent agreements that allowed the project to move to Hillside Park. At the meeting Chu recommended accepting $1,000,000 from the Budish Family Trust and appropriating additional unallocated general CIP funds from Fund 33 so the project could be fully funded and the recommended design‑build contract executed.

The concept plan shown to council was described as a reduced but complete Magical Bridge playground layout sited adjacent to the community clubhouse at Hillside Park. Chu said the design team and Magical Bridge Foundation worked together on iterations to meet budget constraints while keeping core accessible features.

Council members praised the project’s inclusivity and regional benefit. Councilmember Manalo noted local families who previously traveled outside North San Mateo County for all‑abilities play facilities and called the project an important community asset. Vice Mayor Glenn Sylvester said the playground will be a destination that brings visitors into Daly City.

Action taken: the council approved the concept plan, affirmed the categorical exemption for the project, accepted a $1,000,000 donation from the Budish Family Trust and appropriated additional CIP funding to complete the estimated $7,000,000 project, and awarded the design‑build contract to Robert A. Boffman and Verde Design for $5,490,514. The motion passed on a roll call vote. Staff said construction completion is anticipated by mid‑2026 if the award proceeds as planned.

Next steps: staff will finalize the design‑build agreement, continue coordination with Magical Bridge Foundation and begin project permitting and construction procurement work.