The effort to rescue, renovate and re-use two Hoosier historic bridges has received a second award in as many months. The Great Lakes Park Training Institute has recognized Hamilton County Parks and Recreation with their Outstanding Facility Award for its vision and tenacity that culminated in the placement of a dramatic pedestrian span over the White River in Hamilton County. Previously, the park department was presented the Indiana Park and Recreation Association’s Excellence in Landscape Design award for the project.
Hamilton County Parks Director Allen Patterson shown on Washington County Bridge No. 113 prior to removal and transportation of the weathered steel truss bridge to Strawtown Koteewi Park, where it underwent extensive restoration. (Photo provided)
Two metal truss bridges from Washington and Wayne counties, slated for demolition, were saved and restored as part of the undertaking. They were joined by a re-created bridge from Hamilton County, adding to the span’s historic significance. The three-section span now connects White River Campground to Strawtown Koteewi Park, allowing for pedestrian-only safe passage from the campground to the park’s 800 acres of recreational and educational adventures.
“This unique bridge project not only enhances accessibility and safety for its users, it also preserves key pieces of Indiana transportation history,” Director of Hamilton County Parks Al Patterson noted. For their support of the innovative engineering feat, the director recognized the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, James Barker, PE, VS Engineering, John T. Camden Construction Co., Washington County Commissioners, Wayne County Commissioners, the Federal Highway Administration, Dr. James Cooper, USI Consultants, Inc., Halverson Construction Co. Inc., Maxim Cranes, Hamilton County Council, Hamilton County Commissioners and the Hamilton County Parks & Recreation Board of Directors.
More information about Hamilton County Parks and its mission to serve the community can be found at MyHamiltonCountyParks.com. To learn more The Great Lakes Park Training Institute visit eppley.org/portfolio/great-lakes-park-training-institute.