Over 10 years ago, two Bucyrus residents approached City Council with an idea to make the city a better place. The proposal to City Council, which was presented by Mr. Bill Leitzy and Dr. Ide, was for the construction of a bridge that would allow access to Aumiller Park and Unger Park from Southern Avenue. The two men saw a need for the bridge because of safety issues for people trying to get to the park. With the assistance of Jim Burris and Russell Fling, an architect and engineer respectively, a plan was developed for a wooden cable suspension bridge spanning the Sandusky River.
A Project for the Community, By the Community
Once the plans for the Friendship Bridge plans were ready, C&D Jury Farms was brought on board to oversee the actual construction of the bridge. The first step in the plan was to construct a trail, which was completed by Crawford County. Then, Spore Stone Quarry provided the stone base, and the City of Bucyrus installed the blacktop. The community then came together to raise $16,000 to cover the cost of the materials required for the construction of the bridge. Once the funds were raised for materials, ALL the labor for the construction was donated. Roger Liles donated well drilling services, and Roger Oberlander donated crane operation services. Along with the expert construction oversight from C&D Jury Farms, many new friendships were born while swinging hammers and pounding nails.
The Challenge for the Future
The Friendship Bridge, and accompanying pathway, has been tremendous additions for the Bucyrus community. However, the maintenance and upkeep of the Friendship Bridge are in doubt because of the fiscal condition of the City and County governments. Thanks to the leadership and generosity of the Bucyrus Area Community Foundation, a maintenance fund has been established with the BACF and will be managed by their staff.
The Foundation has also generously provided a matching grant of $12,500 to start the maintenance fund. The challenge for the community now is to raise $12,500 to match the grant provided by the BACF. Once these dollars are raised, the maintenance fund will have enough money for the upkeep of the Friendship Bridge.
Will you help us preserve this wonderful community asset?
