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Central Park's Bow Bridge Is Closing For The Summer
By
Jen Carlson
Published Apr 25, 2015
Modified Apr 25, 2015
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Apr 25, 2015
Modified Apr 25, 2015
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(Photo via Vivienne Gucwa's flickr)
Were you planning on proposing on the scenic Bow Bridge in Central Park this summer? The universe is going to make you be more creative. The iconic span is taking the summer off "in order to undergo some much needed repair work," according to the Central Park Conservancy.
"The span will be closed to the public for structural work and a fresh coat of paint. The work is expected to last three to four months. Removing the old paint will require wrapping the bridge in a tent-like structure to prevent debris from falling into the water.
Along with repainting, the work will include replacing the wooden decking, fixing several beams on the underside of the span, and reinforcing approaches at either end."
—which spans 60-feet of the Lake—was built between 1859 and 1862, and was designed (in the shape of an archer's bow) by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould. The CPC says "their goal was to avoid having to build a suspension bridge in Central Park." It was the first cast-iron bridge in the Park, and the second in the U.S.
The closure will start April 27th (so get there this weekend!).
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central park
CPC
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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