HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2310-21781.Proclamation Honoring Olenka Villarreal
City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: November 6, 2023
Report #:2310-2178
TITLE
Proclamation Honoring Olenka Villarreal
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Olenka Villarreal Proclamation
APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun
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 enables 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 60th birthday and commend her for her magical
contributions to Palo Alto and the world.
Presented: November 6, 2023
______________________________
Lydia Kou
Mayor