Lawton Park Pedestrian Bridge Reopens
Vital Rivergreenway Connection Restored and Improved
Fort Wayne, Ind – The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department officially reopened the pedestrian bridge at Lawton Park, a vital connection to the Rivergreenway just north of the Old Fort. Mayor Sharon Tucker, Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel and Deputy Director of Planning and Landscape Chad Shaw spoke about the significance and value of the restoration to city residents and visitors this afternoon.
“Parks and Recreation continues to develop and implement projects that are focused on people and have a desired outcome to enhance the quality of life for all residents and visitors,” said Mayor Tucker. “We’re working each day to create memorable experiences for the public and at the same time value and protect the history and environment around us and provide connections for individuals, families, and guests to explore.”
“We couldn’t be happier with the results,” Director Steve McDaniel observes, “the Parks Planning team was able to select a bridge design that complements connection for people-powered access on the St. Marys Pathway and make improvements to the site for better alignment and stewardship of Spy Run Creek and the surrounding streambank.”
The former trestle style bridge was originally built for railroad use to service the City Water Filtration Plant. It was converted for pedestrian use as a part of the St. Marys Pathway. Its replacement is a prefabricated steel and concrete truss style bridge which improves hydraulics, reducing water resistance and improving flood passage. Additional improvements to the site include reshaping the streambank and planting with native species.
The total construction cost for bridge replacement was $673,510. This project has been funded through Local Income Tax (LIT) approved by the Fort Wayne City Council in 2024.
Today the bridge is preserved as a pedestrian crossing over Spy Run Creek on the Rivergreenway. More information about the Fort Wayne Rivergreenway can be found at FortWayneParks.org.
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