POTTSTOWN PA – A grand opening ceremony has been scheduled by the borough Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department to mark the return of the pedestrian bridge in Memorial Park, 75 W. King St.
The new bridge crosses Manatawny Creek to connect the main portion of the park to nearby Veterans Island. Its ribbon-cutting is set for Aug. 8 (2024; Thursday) at 1:30 p.m.
The bridge replaces one that was damaged and lost during a 2019 flood. It “represents a key connection within the Memorial Park recreation facility, and (serves as) an important pedestrian connection for area residents,” department Director Michael Lenhart wrote in a Thursday (July 11) e-mail.
Reportedly costing more than $500,000, the bridge project was accompanied by stabilization of its stream bank. It was made financially possible over a period of five years with “the collaboration of multiple agencies and organizations,” Lenhart noted.
Supporters include the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Montgomery County government, and the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation.
The project “is a success story for our region,” he added.
‘Severely impaired’ functions
Installation of the bridge had been scheduled for Summer 2023, a department memo stated. It was delayed by a year to ensure sufficient time (estimated at 50 weeks) for the structure’s pre-fabrication.
Loss of the bridge “severely impaired” functions of Memorial Park after the flood, PennWatch Media reported in May 2022. The flood damage separated it into two parcels, with separate and somewhat distant entrances.
Its restoration was expected to increase access to the park’s recreational opportunities, PennWatch said at the time. It also was anticipated to enhance area residents’ ability to walk to and patronize retailers at Shoemaker Road.
Creek and bridge photos by Travels With The Post
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