My local park has a pedestrian bridge that doesn't have railings, it's unsafe and is in urgent need of a redesign. My project created a new, safe, attractive bridge for my community.

(I am 18 years old and am in 12th grade)

Step 1: Site Selections + Existing Conditions

Arbuckle Acres is hands down the most popular park in my hometown. The current access to the walking trails, however, leaves much to be desired. It's just a simple bridge without any railings to ensure the safety of children. On top of that, the bridge is in dire need of a redesign due to its age and deteriorating condition.

Step 2: Site Research

So, I did some research on the site to gather all the necessary details. I wanted to find out the length of the bridge, the overall size of the site's topography, and any other relevant information. After my research, I discovered that the bridge spans approximately 35 feet and has a clearance of around 5 feet below it. I realized that I needed to incorporate supports above the bridge to ensure that I didn't disrupt the creek flowing beneath it.

Step 3: Inspiration

I took inspiration from the footbridge above that served as my example. What caught my attention was the arch, the use of wood, and the overall color scheme. I found these elements really nice, so I tried to incorporate a similar design into my own project. While not an exact replica, I sought to capture the essence of those features and into my design.

Step 4: Bridge Design

After a few drafts, I finally arrived at a design above (that I created using Fusion 360.) I made sure to incorporate all the elements that initially inspired me, while adding my own unique twist to the project. The end result was a visually appealing bridge that I believe has the potential to greatly enhance the overall look and appeal of my local park. Moreover, this redesigned bridge would significantly improve safety for those who utilize it. I'm excited about the prospect of bringing this design to life and making a positive impact on the park and its visitors.

Step 5: Rendering

Next, I utilized Adobe's "Firefly AI" to generate a realistic portrayal of my proposed bridge. This powerful tool brought my design to life, providing a visual representation of how the bridge would look in real life.