Proclamation
Honoring Olenka Villarreal
WHEREAS, Olenka Marta Steciw was born on November 6, 1963 and grew up in Palo Alto, California and Vienna, Austria before graduating from Ponoma College and Golden Gate University and embarking on a 17-year career in marketing and sales in Silicon Valley; and
WHEREAS, Olenka married Robert Villarreal in 1998, and they have raised their two spirited daughters Emma and Ava in Palo Alto; and
WHEREAS, after recognizing a great need, Olenka dedicated herself to creating an inclusive recreation space where all community members, no matter their size, age, or ability could benefit from the power of play; and WHEREAS, after many years of resolute fundraising and research with a team of experts, city officials and volunteers, Olenka designed and developed the first Magical Bridge Playground in Mitchell Park, Palo Alto; and WHEREAS, the Mitchell Park Magical Bridge Playground opened in 2015 and is now a beloved destination whose socially inclusive and physically accessible design enabl es children and adults of all abilities come together to laugh and play; and
WHEREAS, Olenka has worked tirelessly to expand Magical Bridge’s vision of inclusivity and accessibility to communities far and wide, opening seven custom Magical Bridge playgrounds with many more on the way; and
WHEREAS, Olenka makes this world a little more magical every single day, doggedly and successfully advocating for a culture of inclusion, belonging, and empathy for all.
NOW, THEREFORE I, Lydia Kou, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby honor and congratulate Olenka Villarreal on her 60 th birthday and commend her for her magical contributions to Palo Alto and the world.
Presented: November 6, 2023
______________________________
Lydia Kou
Mayor