Don't Demolish Tulsa's Pedestrian Bridge (Conduct an Official, Impartial Study)
- by: Jonathan Pinkey
- recipient: Residents of Tulsa, OK; those with ties to the Tulsa community; City Council; Mayor; River Parks Authority, Tulsa, OK
We, the undersigned, urge the City of Tulsa to halt the proposed demolition of the existing Pedestrian Bridge near 31st and Riverside and to reevaluate its restorative options. Do not merely settle for a questionable replacement. [Also, instead of saying it is "too late," actually listen to the public demand, and revise the current plans to incorporate the bridge!]
The Midland Valley Bridge has a unique history (going back to 1917—*a recent study says circa 1905*), various desirable features (such as built-in shade), and a proven track record as a very popular feature of the Tulsa River Parks trail system (since the 1970s).
Meanwhile, the proposed replacement bridge's design has already been stripped down due to its excessive costs, making it a downgrade in some ways. Tulsans deserve better. [Addition: Even if the new bridge is built, the original bridge could be eligible for historical protections/renovation. Added Dec 8.]
It is possible that keeping the original bridge is a viable option, contrary to some previous claims. *NEWLY OBTAINED 2015 REPORT FINDS BRIDGE IS RESTORABLE
Would repairing the original Pedestrian Bridge save many millions of dollars, and end up with more value for the existing budget? (Not only monetary savings, but also greater user-friendliness and historic value...) *NEWLY OBTAINED 2015 REPORT PROVIDES EVIDENCE THAT RESTORING ORIGINAL BRIDGE WOULD SAVE MILLIONS
Please initiate a reevaluation of the restorative options available, taking into account the structural engineering, material, labor, financial and other requirements, if any. Please allow this reevaluation to be conducted by at least one qualified, impartial entity.
Tulsans should have the opportunity to choose to enjoy the Midland Valley Bridge for more generations, if at all possible...or, at the very least, a better replacement.
See in Tulsa World Dec 3 “Don’t demolish Pedestrian Bridge”
City Council didn’t put us on Dec 9 Agenda. Trying for Dec 16 Agenda. Please call them? Deserves official discussion!
Tulsa World (10/23/2020): “When Tulsa voters approved a 2016 bond issue that included a new Arkansas River pedestrian bridge, they expected the project to be at least as good as the bridge it replaced. The bridge currently on the drawing board doesn’t meet that standard.”
Two weeks/over 200 signatures later, our message is becoming stronger.
Many people, though, still do not know about this petition.
How can you help? Please:
1. Tell people you know. Maybe tell your church/neighborhood association/club/etc.
2. Post on Facebook/Twitter/etc. Free pic at PedBridge.com
3. Try the site “Next Door” to tell neighbors.
4. Ask Tulsa's local news to report about this petition.
5. Your ideas here.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Jonathan
Dear Pedestrian Bridge Petition Signers,
Thanks to you and everyone who has signed the petition so far! Your signatures and comments are really helping! We are now at over 100 supporters after about the first week. Your comments and memories have already added much to the petition, thanks!
Momentum is building. If possible, please tell at least one more person about this today. Help Tulsa “save the bridge, save the shade, save millions!”
www.PedBridge.com
Thanks and all the best! Jonathan
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