This pedestrian bridge at Stanley Park was recently removed. The park is looking to rebuild with funds raised from a 5K race in November (Submitted Photo)
WESTFIELD – At last week's Conservation Commission meeting a request was granted to Stanley Park for emergency certification to remove a dangerous pedestrian bridge.
Located in the Sanctuary section of Stanley Park, the bridge runs off the red trail and onto the blue trail of the park.
“It bent over in the October storm two years ago, and it was so unsafe, it was almost turned 180 degrees,” said Bob McKean, managing director at Stanley Park. “Someone was going to get hurt on it, and it needed emergency removal. But we're trying now to raise funds to rebuild it.”
McKean said that over the past two years the bridge's condition has deteriorated to the point that it has become a danger to patrons, even prompting someone to attempt to burn it down.
“They requested an emergency certification, which is issued for work done near a wetland that is a public safety hazard,” said Karen Leigh of the Westfield Conservation Commission. “(Bob) McKean had said that the damage to the bridge was such that they didn't want anyone using it.”
Leigh said the Commission approved the removal with the least amount of alteration possible, and stated that they left the bridge's footings in place. “They have their own crew which handled the removal,” she said. “We've done several projects with them and they do great work. They often go above and beyond of what we ask them to do.”
“We don't know yet,” McKean said of the cost of the proposed new structure. “We want the project to be flood proof, but can we build one that's arched? Does it have to be wood? Can we build one that can be taken apart?”
Thus far, several companies have stepped forward to offer their support for the project in the form of equipment and skilled manpower.
“A lot is being donated,” said McKean, before adding that the area around the bridge's former location is in need of other assistance. “There's another bridge that needs repairs. The Sanctuary area needs full forestry care, and there’s a plan to clean out trees and roots on the trails for walkers.”
The rebuilding project will be aided by the running of the Run Stanley 5K race to be held on November 17, with all of the proceeds going to complete the bridge project.
“We're just trying to continue the legacy of Mr. Beveridge, and we hope everyone will come to the race to either run, walk or watch,” McKean said. “We hope people who love that area of the park will come out and support it.”
A big supporter of the event is Robert Levesque, president of R. Levesque Associates Inc., a former runner and a sitting member of the park's board of directors.
“A lot of our contributions are in-kind, so if they have a bridge or something that needs work, we do it without charge,” he said.
Also in the fold to assist in the reconstruction of the structure are Robert Goyette Jr., president of Heritage Homes Inc., and Jamie Murphy, of Lane Construction.
Levesque believes that the event, which has already drawn support from the aforementioned companies, his own firm, United Bank, and a host of other sponsors, will become an institution in the park.
“Everyone has rallied around this,” he said. “With the presence of social media, the word is getting out, and we're going to be doing well. We hope to make this an annual event to raise funds for the park.”
