Pathway to fresh views

Span over Big Bear Brook improves access for cyclists, pedestrians

Monday, June 18, 2007

BY KRISTEN LORD

WEST WINDSOR -- Residents will enjoy better access to the township's Community Park with the completion of a bicycle and pedestrian bridge spanning Big Bear Brook.

The bridge, located near Grover's Pond in the northern portion of the 123-acre park, will offer easy access to the park's facilities for pedestrians and cyclists from the Rabbit Hill Road area.

"The view over the water is just beautiful," said West Windsor resident Kaitlyn Marks. "I love walking through the park and I'm looking forward to being able to use the bridge -- it will give me a chance to see something new."

Funding for the bridge was provided by a $200,000 federal grant secured by U.S. Rep. Rush Holt, D-Hopewell Township. Holt joined Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh and township residents in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday to celebrate the official opening of the bridge.

In a statement to township residents, Hsueh expressed his gratitude to Holt, thanking him for his help.

The bridge, which is only open to pedestrians and bicyclists, consists of a steel frame, protective railing and wooden deck. It is approximately 8 feet wide and 135 feet long.

Pathways to the new bridge from within Community Park and from Rabbit Hill Road are still being constructed. They are set to be completed later in the summer and will be paved on existing railway beds in order to cut costs on excavating. The paths themselves are funded separately through a $100,000 grant from the state Department of Transportation.

Modjeski and Masters Inc. provided designs for the bridge project as well as for the surrounding pathways.

The new bridge is one of many improvements the township has planned for Community Park. Recreation funds are being used to build a new skate park and a new dog park.

Among other things, the park has a playground, tennis courts, sports fields and walking and jogging paths.



Pathway to fresh views Span over Big Bear Brook improves access for cyclists, pedestrians Monday, June 18, 2007 BY KRISTEN LORD WEST WINDSOR -- Residents will enjoy better access to the township's Community Park with the completion of a bicycle and pedestrian bridge spanning Big Bear Brook. The bridge, located near Grover's Pond in the northern portion of the 123-acre park, will offer easy access to the park's facilities for pedestrians and cyclists from the Rabbit Hill Road area. "The view over the water is just beautiful," said West Windsor resident Kaitlyn Marks. "I love walking through the park and I'm looking forward to being able to use the bridge -- it will give me a chance to see something new." Funding for the bridge was provided by a $200,000 federal grant secured by U.S. Rep. Rush Holt, D-Hopewell Township. Holt joined Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh and township residents in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday to celebrate the official opening of the bridge. In a statement to township residents, Hsueh expressed his gratitude to Holt, thanking him for his help. The bridge, which is only open to pedestrians and bicyclists, consists of a steel frame, protective railing and wooden deck. It is approximately 8 feet wide and 135 feet long. Pathways to the new bridge from within Community Park and from Rabbit Hill Road are still being constructed. They are set to be completed later in the summer and will be paved on existing railway beds in order to cut costs on excavating. The paths themselves are funded separately through a $100,000 grant from the state Department of Transportation. Modjeski and Masters Inc. provided designs for the bridge project as well as for the surrounding pathways. The new bridge is one of many improvements the township has planned for Community Park. Recreation funds are being used to build a new skate park and a new dog park. Among other things, the park has a playground, tennis courts, sports fields and walking and jogging paths. © 2007 The Times of Trenton © 2007 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.