Group holds meetings to save the bridge

MT. PLEASANT — Last month a group of interested individuals seek to preserve a piece of Henry County history by starting a campaign to save the Oakland Mills footbridge which was closed to the public over the winter.

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In December 2023, Henry County Conservation Executive Director Caleb Waters informed the Henry County Board of Supervisors of the decision to close the footbridge due to safety concerns that were far too pricey for the Conservation Department.

According to Waters, rumors of the department possibly removing the footbridge have circulated, and he admits, “there’s been talk.”

Since then, a group ranging between 15-30 people have come together to discuss ways they could possibly save the Oakland Mills footbridge. They began official meetings on the topic in late September and plan their next one for Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Oakland Mills Nature Center.

“I've been working with a group of citizens to save the bridge the Oakland Mills footbridge,” Waters told the Henry County Board of Supervisors at the October Department Head meeting. “There have been three meetings hosted thus far. …. They're getting there. We've got a core group of people that are really dedicated. So, the group that I'm working with, they are bound and determined to get things rolling.”

The group, along with Waters, are working to form a committee to bring more structure and possibly movement to these meetings.

“Obviously it's going to be a pretty extensive project, and could be fairly costly,” Waters said, “But as I said in the beginning, we need the community support, and it looks like we're going to have that. So, my ultimate concern is just are people going to stick it out or just be there to voice their concern?”

Even with his reservations, Waters says he feels the group is heading in the right direction and encourages anyone interested in preserving this historic piece of Oakland Mills to attend future meetings.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com