If you take a walk through Lenape Park in Perkasie you will notice that there are two very unique white bridges. This pair of bridges just happen to be the only suspension bridges in all of the Pennridge School District. These extraordinary structures were first proposed in August of 1936 by Mr.Benfield to be built in the park by the former boat landing to serve as a foot bridge for people walking through the area. They were built by the WPA (Works Progress Administration), along with the dam, the arched style Walnut Street Bridge, the island for the bridge bases, and dredging the creek.

In 1938 the two new bridges were completed and the materials cost an estimated $2600 dollars. The bridges are approximately 500 feet long.

HOW THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM WORKS

Cables for this suspension bridge are tied to a base on each side of the bridge.		These cables are tied connected to vertical metal rods.		These rods are connected from the cables to beams at the base of the bridge.
The beams run under the bridge and support the deck of the bridge.		Two pillars on each side of each of the bridges support the cable system.		New wooden ramps on either side of the bridge cover over the steps but allow for new uses of the bridge by bikers and wheelchair users.

RECENT REPAIRS

These bridges recently began to sway significantly sideways, especially when used by large crowds. Some of the wood was also in need of replacement due to splintering and major irregularities in the decking boards. The structural system was reinforced and the sway was reduced significantly.

Wood replaced on the bridges is seen here before it was again painted the original white color.		Supports have been strengthened and the sway of the bridge has been reduced significantly.		Reinforced bridge as it appears in 2000.