An unapologetic plant geek shares advice and opinions on gardening, the contrived and the natural landscape, as well as occasional topics from the other side of the gate.

February 3, 2018

T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge

     Back in October, my wife, a friend, and I traveled to Richmond for the day to celebrate my son's birthday. After a delightful lunch we headed down to the James, as I wanted to see the relatively new Potterfield Bridge. The pedestrian and bike only bridge is built atop the stone piers of an old hydroelectric structure, allowing visitors cross the river 20' above the quick waters. The bridge is named after T. Tyler Potterfield who was passionate about his adopted city, and before he died at a young age, was the project manager for the bridge that now bears his name. The north entrance commemorates the fall of Richmond in 1865, over the falls of Richmond. Embedded into the bridge deck are quotes from various people, famous and not, who were present then. The south entrance in Manchester is marked by Joshua Wiener's The Path Untraveled, a series of 8 17' tall large coreten steel rings that seem to roll across the landscape.

Potterfield Bridge (1)

Potterfield Bridge (2)

Potterfield Bridge (3)

Potterfield Bridge (5)

Potterfield Bridge (4)

Potterfield Bridge (6)

Potterfield Bridge (7)

Potterfield Bridge (8)

Potterfield Bridge (9)

Potterfield Bridge (10)


Potterfield Bridge (13)

Potterfield Bridge (14)

Potterfield Bridge (15)

CSX Trellis (3)

CSX Trellis (2)

Populus deltoides

CSX Trellis (1)

16 comments:

  1. Georgous pictures. Loved the kayakers.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wonderful! Thank You again for something inspiring. Bridges that span deep divides. Dogs that sing. Amen!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wonderful! Thank You again for something inspiring. Bridges that span deep divides. Dogs that sing. Amen!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love this Les, especially the quotes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had heard about the bridge before deciding to see it, but had no idea about the quotes. It was a nice touch.

      Delete
  5. So many great things to see and do in Richmond. Potterfield Bridge has been added to my list of want to visits. Thanks for the great photos.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, there is a lot to see in Richmond. I enjoyed growing up there, and my time as an adult there. I sometimes miss it.

      Delete
  6. It's a beautiful bridge with an amazing view. The metal quote plates are great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is an amazing view. Last week the river was close to flooding. I would have enjoyed seeing that from the bridge.

      Delete
  7. Love Joshua Wiener's steel rings! I wish I could get one of those for my own garden. You probably dream of a kayak trip in the river below, although to my non kayaking eyes it seem pretty treacherous waters.
    The rusty bolts are a beauty.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chavliness, that is not my kind of kayaking. First of all I can't see getting my legs in a kayak of that kind, and my type of paddling is a bit more peaceful, reflective, and less work.

      Delete
  8. Tyler used to volunteer on Rose Day at Hollywood Cemetery. His ashes are in a niche in Presidents Circle there, overlooking the river and this bridge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a nice connection. I think I would have liked him.

      Delete
  9. Gosh I wish I lived in your lovely climate. What fun for the kayakers. Glad they created this bridge with its thoughtful quotes and great views.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your climate may be a bit cooler, but Nova Scotia is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.

      Delete