Coral Springs Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coral Springs Covered Bridge |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Coordinates | 26°17′09″N 80°15′12″W / 26.285918°N 80.253204°W |
| Carries | Automobile, pedestrian |
| Crosses | Canal |
| Locale | Coral Springs, Florida |
| Maintained by | City of Coral Springs |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Truss bridge |
| Longest span | 40 ft (12.19 m) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1964 |
The Coral Springs Covered Bridge is a unique bridge located in Coral Springs, Florida. It was the very first permanent structure built in this city. This bridge is special because it is the only covered bridge in Florida that the public can visit. It has even been recognized with a Florida Heritage Site Marker.
Contents
How Was the Bridge Built?
The Coral Springs Covered Bridge was designed by George Hodapp. It was built in early 1964 by Lewie Mullins and George Porter. All of these people worked for Coral Ridge Properties, the company that developed Coral Springs.
The bridge is 40 feet long. It has a single steel span that goes over N.W. 95th Avenue. Its roof is made up of 25 strong wooden frames called truss rafters. These are covered with shingles, just like a house roof.
Why Does It Look Like That?
The bridge was first painted a classic barn red color. James S. Hunt, who was the president of Coral Ridge Properties, wanted the bridge to remind people of the "Old South." He imagined Coral Springs as a carefully planned "City in the Country." He wanted it to have brick buildings, pretty streets with flowers, and the Covered Bridge as a main feature.
A Look at Its History
James S. Hunt wanted the bridge to look even older and more "seasoned." He contacted a company in North Carolina for ideas. This company provided two designs and an artist to paint them on the bridge.
The "Bull of the Woods" picture on the east side of the bridge was first used way back in 1876. The "Peach Snuff" picture on the west side was created in 1950. It was made to appeal to more people, including women.
Surviving the Storms
In August 1964, a strong storm called Hurricane Cleo passed over Coral Springs. The bridge was left almost completely unharmed. Years later, in October 2005, Hurricane Wilma also hit the city. Again, the bridge received very little damage. This shows how well it was built!
A Special Landmark
Over the years, the bridge and its painted designs have been repaired and kept in good condition. However, some trees have grown tall around the bridge. These trees were planted after the bridge opened.
The bridge has a special honor: a Florida Heritage Site Marker. This marker recognizes its unique design and its importance to Florida's history. The Covered Bridge was even shown on Coral Springs' old city seal. It is the only covered bridge on a public road in the entire state of Florida.
