R
on Locicero was taken
aback when members
of the Morgan Hill
Chamber of Commerce
arrived unexpectedly at
a Parks and Recreation
Committee meeting to proclaim him Man of
the Year for 2020—and all because of a park.
“We were just about to get our meeting
started. The room was unusually crowded but
I didn’t think anything of it until I noticed
my wife, kids, and even my grandkids were
there. When the Chamber stepped forward
to present me with an award, I felt humbled
and happy.”
The Chamber honored Ron for his advo-
cacy and fundraising for the Magical Bridge
Inclusive Playground. People involved with
the project say the fact that this innovative
playground is coming to Morgan Hill is due in
large part to his unwavering commitment and
perseverance.
“It never occurred to me that I’d be recog-
nized. It was my wife who convinced me that
we needed a facility like this in Morgan Hill.“
Ron describes his wife Shirlee, a retired
schoolteacher, as “the guiding force” behind
the park. She would often come home from
teaching and share her concerns that students
with special needs were unable to use the
school playground during recess, and schools
never got funding to build a playground
designed for their needs. When Ron applied
to serve on the Parks and Rec Commission,
he knew he wanted to do something for those
kids.
Ron’s early life was spent in Monterey.
He was an All American football player in
high school. He attended Monterey College,
transferred to Sacramento State on a football
scholarship, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree
in Recreation Management. Then he landed a
job with the City of Monterey where his role as
Recreation Supervisor included the design and
implementation of Dennis the Menace Park.
Ron went on to earn a Master’s Degree in
Physical Education from Cal Poly SLO and
devoted the next 41 years to the field of edu-
cation. He taught History, Physical Education,
and Driver’s Education to high school and
college students.
After being appointed as a member of the
Morgan Hill Parks and Recreation Commission
in 2011, Ron began researching ideas for new
community projects.
One evening he and Shirlee saw a TV news
story about Tatum’s Garden, an Inclusive
Playground in Salinas that won a Jefferson
Award. It was their Eureka moment—the idea
they had been looking for.
Ron began socializing the idea with city
and county education and parks and rec-
reation leaders. Some had never seen an
inclusive park before, and this would be the
first such playground between San Jose and
Salinas. The estimated budget came in at 5.3
million dollars.
Plans called for a 2,000 square foot class-
room with 40 desks and wiring for PCs, plus
a stage and dropdown screen for plays and
other activities. Other features: a musical harp
kids could walk through and set off lights
and music, a playhouse, slides, a suspension
bridge, sand and water play areas, and more.
Ron has dedicated a number of years to
securing support for the project, raising over
4.5 million dollars. His advocacy and effort
are about to be rewarded as the project is
scheduled to break ground in April. It’s known
around town that without Ron’s dedication to
this initiative the playground would not have
come about.
“We have the funds and are continuing to
solicit funds to cover construction and have
cushion for repairs down the road. The City
will maintain the park.”
“I never once heard anyone say it wasn’t
a good idea. It was more difficult than I ever
imagined, but I always believed it would
happen. And I’m happy because this honor
means the PARK is being recognized for the
benefits it will bring to countless kids in the
years ahead.”
Like the slogan says: “Regardless of Ability,
Disability, Size or Age, Everyone Plays Together
at Magical Bridge Playground.” From kids to
senior citizens (who love to go and watch
their grandkids) and veterans from Wounded
Warriors, there is something for everybody
to enjoy.
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
SPRING 2020
gmhtoday.com
“I can’t wait for opening day.
I plan on being a regular
visitor there, just to watch
the kids have a good time
at play as the parents look
on. The City expects 20,000
visitors per year. Studies
have shown how well kids
learn in outdoor settings. I
hope all of our schools and
youth organizations make
full use of it.”
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