Elm Creek Bridge placed at American Legion Park

American Legion Park was abuzz over the weekend as volunteers worked to place the Big Elm Creek Bridge on its concrete abutments. 

“It's so nice to finally have visual progress in park,” said  Park Board Chairman, Jamie Moeller. “Up to this point, much of the work has been planning, infrastructure and making up for a lot of time when nothing was done.”

All of the work done was provided by community volunteers, as well as funded by donations

“We are very grateful for all the support to help us get to this point,” Moeller continued. 

The King Iron Bridge Company constructed the bridge at CR 179 over Big Elm Creek in 1884, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. It is a single-span bowstring truss bridge with a riveted tubular-arch top chord in a configuration typical of King Iron Bridge Company’s work. 

This bridge is significant as one of only two remaining bowstring truss bridges in vehicular service (there are other bowstring truss bridges in parks and along hike and bike trails.) It is also significant for its use of both wrought iron and cast iron materials. 

The bridge is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C for Engineering as a rare survivor of a once-common Texas bridge type with unusual patented features and for its use of both wrought and cast iron, as well for the National Register under Criterion A for its significance to local transportation routes and patterns.

This is just one part of the project going on with Rosebud’s Parks. The new walking trail in the park was poured this week as well, the first visible sign of the progress being made. 

The Rosebud Parks and Recreation board has teamed up with the Town Square Community Foundation (TSCF) to fundraise for the entirety of expenses for these upgrades.

The THRIVE: Promoting Parks and Creating Community project is a master plan to revitalize the parks within the City of Rosebud, beginning with American Legion Park, which is the largest of the four. There will be a total of four phases that will progress as funds become available.

“We're passionate about building better parks but just as important, we are committed to creating community,” reads the TSCF website.  “While continuing to raise funds for Rosebud's parks, the purpose of our campaign is to revitalize outdoor spaces that are safe for children to play, parents to gather, families to unite and community to thrive.”

The project is continuing solely on the basis of grants, donations, and in-kind goods. For more information or to consider donating to the improvement of Rosebud Parks, head to www.tscftexas.org. Click donate and type parks in the comment box. Every dollar will help redefine Rosebud.