Community supports new swinging bridge

On behalf of the Jefferson County Conservation Board, I would like to thank the many people that attended our dedication of the new Memorial Swinging Bridge in our Jefferson County Park.

Our park is definitely beloved and well used. Therese Cummiskey, park naturalist, has estimated she leads 3,000 children over the trails each year.

The original swinging bridge, built with the encouragement, insight and assistance of then-park employee Ebb Camelin in 1983 weathered many a storm and foostep! The wooden deck had been replaced twice.

The only remaining evidence of the former bridge are the upright metal support parts, through which holes were drilled for the much larger, stronger cables. The new bridge is built of galvanized metal support and deck pieces. It still swings, slightly, but it should be maintenance free for many years.

Special recognition must be given our three major donors: Nebraska/Iowa Kiwanis; Fairfield Kiwanis and Jim and Jeanette Redman of Lockridge.

Two local donors gave at least $500 each; eight donors gave between $200-$499; eight donors gave between $100-$199 and two businesses and more than 115 local donors gave $25 or more. A hand-calligraphed list hangs framed in the nature center with more details.

Many thanks go to Greg Vorhies for his problem-solving and experience in creating the supports for the bridge itself.

? Kathy Tollenaere, Jefferson County Conservation board member