Coral Springs Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coral Springs Covered Bridge |
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| 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 special bridge in Coral Springs, Florida. It's 40 feet long and was the very first building-like structure ever built in the city! This bridge is the only covered bridge in Florida that people can visit. It's even been recognized with a special award called a Florida Heritage Site Marker.
How the Bridge Was Built
The bridge was designed by George Hodapp. It was built in early 1964 by Lewie Mullins and George Porter. These people all worked for Coral Ridge Properties, Inc. The bridge is 40 feet long and has one strong steel section. It crosses N.W. 95th Avenue, near Wiles Road. The roof has 25 special wooden supports called truss rafters. These rafters, along with cross braces and stringers, hold up the roof, which is covered with shingles.
At first, the bridge was painted a bright barn red. James S. Hunt, who was the president of Coral Ridge Properties, wanted the area to feel like the 'Old South'. He imagined Coral Springs as a carefully planned 'City in the Country'. This vision included brick colonial-style public buildings, streets lined with flowers, and the Covered Bridge as a main attraction.
A Look at Its History
James S. Hunt wanted the bridge to look older and more "seasoned." He contacted the American Snuff Company in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for ideas. The company provided two designs and an artist to paint murals on the bridge. The "Bull of the Woods" logo, which first appeared in 1876, was painted on the east side. On the west side, the "Peach Snuff" logo, created in 1950, was added.
The bridge has stood strong against powerful storms. In August 1964, the eye of Hurricane Cleo passed right 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.
Over the years, the bridge and its murals have been repaired and refreshed. However, some of the details are now harder to see. This is because trees planted after the bridge opened have grown tall along the road and canal. The bridge is still important to the state. It has a Florida Heritage Site Marker because of its unique design and history. The Covered Bridge was even featured on Coral Springs' old city seal. It remains the only covered bridge in Florida that is on a public road.
