Ames Emma McCarthy Lee Park Pedestrian Bridge Construction Starts On March 19

Press release from the City of Ames:

March 17, 2021

Construction on the Emma McCarthy Lee Park pedestrian bridge will begin Friday, March 19, and last approximately two months, weather dependent. This pedestrian bridge will span Clear Creek, which runs through the park. The path located at the Oakland Access, 3005 Oakland St., will be closed for the duration of the project.

The bridge will replace the former bridge that was destroyed in a flood event in June 2018. “This project has been ongoing for over two years, with a few hurdles that needed to be crossed in order for the bridge to be constructed,” said Parks & Facilities Superintendent Joshua Thompson. Approvals were needed from both the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the state of Iowa, and plans needed to ensure that the bridge was constructed above 100-year flood levels. “We appreciate the public’s patience in the process and hopefully sometime this summer patrons will be able to use the bridge,” Thompson said.

The Parks and Recreation Department manages 38 parks and offers approximately 180 athletic, aquatic, instructional, and wellness programs. Indoor programs are provided year-round at the Community Center, Ames/ISU Ice Arena, and Municipal Pool. For more information on Ames Parks and Recreation, please call the Community Center at 515.239.5350.

This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author’s own.