Gertie Suspension Bridge

Children were allowed to contribute to the design of the Playground by the Sound. Anyone who knows local history is aware of the old Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The bridge in question was a suspension bridge that had a tendency of getting caught in the wind, which earned it the nickname, “Galloping Gertie.” The Gertie Suspension Bridge on the Playground by the Sound was not an idea conceived by a historian, it was the children who asked for it.

The bridge at the playground is a different type of suspension bridge. Instead of cables hanging from towers to support the structure, it’s a bridge connected at both ends and allowed to move. From the looks of it, it might not move as much as children would like, but I can’t be certain. Since the playground was build for younger kids, I didn’t want to test its ability to support an older kid such as myself.

This bridge hangs between the tree houses. for parents, this means that you will not have as much access to your children when they are crossing the bridge. Not to worry, though. The sides come up so that they can’t fall off or do anything along those lines that could harm your child.

The outside is decorated to provide a link to the component’s inspiration. You can see the two towers, the parabolic arcs of the main suspension cables, and the suspender cables that connect to the deck. The design can be seen on both sides, but it would be easier to see from the side with the slides and the stage since you don’t have to look through other components. You could also have your children act as Godzilla and peek over the towers, which were 443 feet above the water.