A few weeks ago I had a chance to help make some memories at a favorite place in Tulsa: the Pedestrian Bridge.
It’s no secret that this place has held my attention for some time. In fact, it was my first image to place first in a State Competition and progress on to the international photographic competition where it combined with four other photos earned me a bronze medal.
When the River Parks Authority (RPA) approached me with an idea for a fundraiser I jumped at the chance. The river parks are special to me. This is where I trained for my first 5k, half marathon, marathon, and ultimately Ultramarathons. I have logged long hours on these trails in all seasons. Hot summer training runs are where I grew to appreciate the old wooden bridge. Thanks to spanning over a body of water with a wooden canopy overhead it became the ideal place to run quarter-mile repeats and take a small reprieve from the scorching Oklahoma sun.
In one of my many volunteering duties, I also represent the Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition (TUWC) at the River Parks Advisory board. Thanks to the COVID-19 global pandemic, most Non-profits have had to cancel fundraisers that are vital to sustaining Non-Profit efforts. When Ryan at RPA suggested a way to raise money for the park, create memories for Tulsa, and send ‘my’ bridge off in a safe way I was thrilled!
If you know me in real life you know I have been taking this Global pandemic seriously. The last thing I would want is to cause any further community spread, illness, or death. As Ryan and I worked together to plan the event safety was our top priority. Everything else came second.
Covid-19 Precautions
Masks were required any time you were not in front of the camera. Waiting areas were spaced 30 feet apart and it was all outdoors. There was a good breeze and an even better response. What started as two hours quickly grew to two 8 hour days. We saw people from all walks of life come out to share their memories of this Tulsa staple one last time. From first kisses, engagements, and even childhood memories everyone had a story to share and a smile. As these memories were retold it was hard for me to not tear up. Places like this have a way of crossing all divides. There is no income barrier for entry. These memories they shared were not bought and paid for. They were organic and lasting. Our goal in photographing Tulsans here was to give them something unique to them to hold on to once the bridge is gone. One person stopped me and thanked me for helping pull this together because they knew I would be extra cautious about viral transmission. It makes me feel good to know I am trusted to put the health of the community first.
By the end of the weekend, my voice was gone but I was all smiles. Tulsa gave this bridge one hell of a goodbye and we know the stories will live on.
After the event was over and all the gear was stored away Ryan and I took one last walk on the bridge. Time has not been kind to it, nor have vandals. There were huge holes in the planking. Parts that had been torn away in the 2019 historic flooding. It was clear why the bridge was closed. It truly was not safe for citizens to openly enjoy.
Looking to the future
We will miss this bridge, but look forward to three years from now when we can see it’s replacement proudly stepping in to create new memories for Tulsa.. and hopefully, when that time comes we will have found a way to fund a shady canopy for hot Oklahoma summers that made me truly appreciate the old bridge most.
