There will be a dedication/ribbon cutting at the new suspension bridge in Forest Park on June 5 at 10:00am. At that time, the official name will also be unveiled.
Visitors to Jacksonville’s Forest Park, a large city park located in the Jackson Creek Watershed, have given rave reviews on the newest park structure: a 46’ suspension bridge spanning the old spillway of the historic Jacksonville Reservoir. After the de-commissioning of the historic dam, hikers crossed the dangerous rocks of the pond outlet, leading city officials to explore a safer option.
During a chance, and serendipitous, meeting on the trails one morning, Robert Raymond of the Raymond Family Foundation offered a sizable contribution to pursue constructing a bridge. But unlike the 8 other laminated beam bridges in the park, a decision was made to build a different structure, a “crowning achievement.”
With the support of The Jacksonville Woodlands Association, and with additional financial assistance from city parks funds, the Public Works Department contracted with KAS Engineers to design a bridge. The style is similar to a bridge located at Hog Springs in the North Wash between Hanksville, UT and Glen Canyon.
With plans in hand, and materials purchased, construction began last October. Deadmen of 16 tons each (to hold the anchors manufactured by Medford Fabrication) had to be formed up along with abutments of 4 tons each to support the bridge superstructure. Concrete was poured on Nov 12. Public Works crews helped install the 500 lb. towers, and the Forest Park Volunteers took over, stretching cable, manufacturing droppers, and sliding each section of bridge into place, working from each bank toward the middle.
The dry fall allowed steady work. The first good rain came December 27, the pond filled, water ran down the old spillway, mallards magically appeared, and the bridge was finished December 28.