Construction of the 80-foot suspension bridge allowing people to cross the wetlands at McCoy Farm and Gardens is now complete.The EPB Cumberland Crossing, an 80-foot suspension bridge that allows people using the trail at McCoy Farm and Gardens to cross through the wetlands on the property, is now complete. The community is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the bridge Sunday, April 17 at 3 p.m.
“The public is invited to come out and meet the volunteers who worked on it,” said Kim Fookes, bridge coordinator.
Getting the bridge built was a combined effort involving the town of Walden and the McCoy Farm and Gardens board, with support from corporate sponsor EPB. Cumberland Trail founder Sam Powell helped design the bridge and oversee the volunteers during its construction.
“Now you can actually cross over the wetlands and view and study different plant life and observe different kinds of birds,” said Fookes.
EPB helped fund the bridge and provided recycled materials which volunteers were able to use for construction, she said, adding that members of the community also purchased name plaques to help fund materials for the bridge.
“I think it was the most beautiful display of community effort,” said Fookes. “I love what the town of Walden did with sharing this land.”
The trails at McCoy Farm and Gardens are open to the public seven days a week. Runners are asked to continue to use the trail that goes around the wetlands, because running and jumping are prohibited on the bridge, Fookes said.
“It’s a calm, quiet place designed for studying plant and wildlife,” she said.
McCoy Farm and Gardens is at 1715 Anderson Pike.