ing surface, and while it’s built for pedestrians, it’s also strong enough to handle light maintenance vehicles when needed.
The bridge is part of a larger expansion of the Veterans Park pond area, all of which is guided by Newcastle’s Master Park Plan — a longterm blueprint for improving public green spaces. Recent projects already completed under the plan include new trails, additional parking, modern restrooms, a splash pad, and even a seasonal snow hill.
“We’re thinking about how families use this space year-round,” Mc-Nally said. “Whether it’s summer afternoons by the splash pad or quiet walks around the pond, this park is growing into something really special.”
And there’s more to come. Projects in the pipeline include a new pavilion with restrooms, additional parking north of the pond, and a dedicated fishing dock — all designed to make Veterans Park a destination for residents of all ages.
The bridge was fabricated by Contech Engineered Solutions, a nationwide provider of infrastructure products, using a proven truss design commonly found in parks and trails across the country. While the city emphasized strength and longevity, aesthetics were equally important.
“We wanted something that would last for decades and also look like it belongs here,” McNally added. “This bridge does exactly that.”
