City Park Bridges at Copperas Cove
Connecting Community With Craftsmanship
Legacy Timber Bridge Design Built to Encompass, Inspire, & Last
In the heart of Central Texas, the City of Copperas Cove has invested in infrastructure that does more than connect--it creates meaningful moments in nature. At the center of this effort is Copperas Cove City Park, a cherished destination for families, joggers, and nature lovers. York Bridge Concepts was selected to bring this experience full circle with the addition of two custom city park bridges, designed and built to surround the park's scenic duck pond with grace, strength, and sustainability.
These bridges were not just about crossing water--they were about enhancing the park's functionality while preserving its tranquil charm. Built using our Legacy Series design-engineer-build approach, each timber pedestrian bridge blends classic craftsmanship with long-term performance.
Specifications
Width:
(2) 8' (7' clear)
Length:
(1) 36' & (1) 66'
Height:
(1) 8' & (1) 8' (from ground)
Capacity:
90 PSF
Construction:
Ground Level
Span Type:
Free Span
Span Lengths:
(1) 36' & (1) 66'
Material:
CCA/CA-C Treated Douglas Fir & SYP
Foundation:
Treated Timber Abutments
Stringers:
Douglas Fir Glulam Stringers (Oil Coated where exposed
Pedestrian Deck:
2" Douglas Fir (Coated)
Hand Rail System:
Decero™ Classic Picket Series
Crossing:
Stream & Pond
A Vision For Timeless City Park Bridges
The City of Copperas Cove envisioned bridges that would preserve the natural beauty of the park while improving safety, accessibility, and visual appeal. From the beginning, the York Bridge Concepts team aligned with this vision by proposing a pair of Legacy Series pedestrian bridges that reflect the identity of the surrounding environment.
The centerpiece of the project is a free-span glulam beam bridge, finished in a rich oil-stained and paired with Legacy Picket Railings and a smooth top rail--designed for maximum pedestrian safety and aesthetic appeal. A second companion bridge complements the primary structure, following the same design principles and materials, creating a cohesive experience around the duck pond.
Built with Legacy: Design-Engineer-Build
York Bridge Concepts' Legacy Series is our signature offering for pedestrian infrastructure that demands beauty, durability, and a custom-engineered fit. Unlike prefabricated systems, our Legacy Series bridges are built entirely on-site, tailored to the projects' topography, environmental needs, and design goals.
Why the Legacy Series Works for City Park Bridges
Custom Engineering
Each bridge is designed from the ground up to meet local code requirements and site-specific challenges.
Glulam Beam Technology
Glulam offers strength comparable to steel with the visual warmth of natural wood, making it ideal for park environments.
Sustainable Materials
All structural components are sustainably sourced and protected with penetrating oil-stain coatings for weather resistance.
Top-Down Construction
Our environmentally sensitive installation method minimizes impact to soils, roots, and water habitats during construction.
In the case of Copperas Cove, the Legacy Series approach allowed us to encompass the duck pond while preserving its ecosystem and maintaining visual harmony with the park.
Enhancing Community Through Connectivity
Beyond structural function, these city park bridges have become central to the Copperas Cove community experience. They:
- Enable safe pedestrian circulation around the pond and between different areas of the park.
- Provide ADA-accessible routes for all users, from strollers to wheelchairs
- Encourage outdoor recreation such as walking, photography, and birdwatching
- Offer scenic destinations where residents and visitors can pause, observe, and enjoy nature
The bridges have quickly become iconic elements within the park, helping to elevate its status as a beloved public space.
Ecological Sensitivity Meets Engineering Integrity
York Bridge Concepts brought our environmental stewardship mindset to every stage of this project. Because these city park bridges span a delicate duck pond ecosystem, we implemented low-impact construction techniques and sustainable material sourcing.
Environmental Highlights:
Deck-Level Construction
All work was performed from the bridge deck level, eliminating the need for heavy machinery along the pond's banks or within the water itself.
Protective Coatings
Our penetrating oil stain not only provides deep UV and moisture protection--it's also safe for wildlife and nearby aquatic systems.
Minimal Disturbance
By using free-span designs, we eliminated the need for mid-span supports that could disrupt the pond or its wildlife.
This approach aligns with the values of Copperas Cove's Parks and Recreation Department, prioritizing public use and ecological protection in equal measure.
A Case Study In City Park Bridge Design
The success of the Copperas Cove project illustrates why cities across the U.S. are turning to timber solutions for their park infrastructure needs. Timber offers a range of benefits compared to alternative materials, especially in settings where natural aesthetics and environmental harmony matter most.
Key Takeaways for Park Planners & Municipal Leaders:
- Timber bridges naturally blend with the landscape, creating immersive visitor experiences.
- City park bridges can serve as design icons, not just functional structures.
- YBC's design-engineer-build model streamlines project timelines, minimizes delays, and results in higher quality outcomes.
- Sustainable design choices reduce lifetime maintenance and align with green infrastructure goals.
Bringing Bridge Design to Life--Your Park Could be Next
York Bridge Concepts specializes in timber city park bridges that elevate public spaces while respecting natural ecosystems. Our design-engineer-build approach ensures every bridge we construct is structurally sound, visually stunning, and uniquely suited to its environment.
Whether you're enhancing a trail, revitalizing a park, or creating new public infrastructure, our team is here to help you make a lasting impression--just like we did in Copperas Cove.
Ready to build a signature bridge for your park?
Contact York Bridge Concepts to learn more about our Legacy Series and how we can transform your space with custom city park bridges that reflect your community's values.