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| Updated: 10/03/2011 8:04 am |
Published: 10/02/2011 5:15 pm |
LITTLE ROCK, AR-- The Clinton Presidential Bridge welcomed walkers and bikers today for its official opening.
"We have the Big Dam Bridge and the Two Rivers Bridge that opened this summer. There are so many people out jogging, pushing strollers, and biking. This sort of completes this end of the trail," said Biker Steve Garrett.
The roughly 2,600 ft. walkway was once an old 1899 railroad bridge. It crosses the Arkansas River connecting Little Rock to North Little Rock. The Bill Clark Wetlands nearby also opened this weekend.
"I think its really important for the city to have open spaces for people to walk and enjoy the city itself. I know a lot of cities don't have that. So I think it's a great resource for the city of Little Rock," said walker Robert Lorsvach.
Today's opening is part of a weekend filled with anniversary activities celebrating Bill Clinton's 20 years since announcing his run for the White House. Friday, the former president and family came back home to celebrate.
While the bridge is named after a powerful political figure, some people say the bridge moves them to exercise.
"It brings a lot of people down here when we have recreation like this," said biker Micahel Troger.
The pedestrian bridge cost $10.5 million. A mix of public and private funds paid for the project. Although the bridge was dedicated Friday, it remained closed until today.
"It helps people be more active and maybe we will lose some weight," said walker Laura Trusty.
