Located in Willis, Texas, Chambers Creek is a vibrant, active adult community catering to residents ages 55 and older. Within this community, residents find a lifestyle enriched with purpose and opportunity. Carefully curated homes, thoughtfully designed amenities and a bustling calendar of events and wellness activities create a dynamic environment where residents truly can thrive.
And now, residents and visitors alike are enjoying a remarkable sight — the seamless integration of nature trails, sparkling creeks and the five pedestrian bridges that span them. These bridges, constructed with cutting-edge materials, enhance the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings and serve as vital connectors, fostering accessibility and community engagement within the park.
Meeting the Challenge
The vision for the Chambers Creek community’s 20-mile trail system posed a significant challenge: to create a network of pathways that not only complemented the scenic beauty of the area but also ensured longevity and resilience against the elements. Avid Trails, entrusted with the task, faced the daunting prospect of constructing five high-strength bridges that could withstand the test of time without succumbing to common issues such as rot, rust, insects or warping.
Choosing Sustainable Solutions
Enter fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) bridges — a sustainable solution to modern infrastructure challenges. Without compromising on strength or durability, FRP pedestrian bridges offer a myriad of benefits perfectly suited for park environments. Resistant to heat, high winds, rain, snow and even saltwater, these high-strength bridges are engineered to endure the harshest conditions while maintaining their structural integrity. Unlike traditional materials like wood or steel, FRP bridges won’t shrink, swell, corrode or attract insects, ensuring minimal maintenance and maximum longevity for decades to come.
Enhancing Accessibility
The installation of FRP pedestrian bridges from Bedford Reinforced Plastics marked a turning point in the accessibility and usability of the Chambers Creek trail system. Featuring safety mid-rails with ADA-compliant spacing and ADA-compliant heavy-duty fiberglass decking, these bridges are lightweight, easy to transport and designed for installation in less accessible areas of the trail system. Seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape, they provide residents and visitors with safe and convenient passage across the creek. Whether traversing the trails on foot, bicycle or mobility device, such as a wheelchair or walker, individuals of all ages and abilities can now enjoy the beauty of nature without barriers.
Looking Ahead
As the Chambers Creek community continues to evolve and expand, the demand for innovative infrastructure solutions remains constant. With the recent installation of a 90-foot FRP bridge on the community’s golf course, the commitment to sustainability, accessibility and community engagement is evident. These FRP bridges stand as a testament to the power of innovation in shaping the parks and recreation spaces of tomorrow.
To learn more about Bedford’s FRP products, reach out to our team for more information, request a quote or call 814-623-8125 to discuss the details of your project.
This article was originally published for Parks and Recreation magazine.