The City of Fond du Lac officially opened its new pedestrian bridge in Lakeside Park, marking a major milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and enhance public spaces.

The bridge, which spans the Fond du Lac River, connects Lakeside Park East and Lakeside Park West — two sections of the park that together encompass nearly 400 acres but were previously separated by a 1.9-mile journey along a busy state highway. For pedestrians and cyclists, this route was not only long but it also effectively limited access to the western half of the park for many visitors.

The idea for the bridge originated in 2015 as part of the Lakeside Park Exploratory Committee’s recommendations. It was incorporated into the city’s master plan in 2017 and added to the capital improvement plan in 2020. Construction began in the fall of 2023 and was completed in time for a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on May 30, 2024.

The bridge itself is a 210-foot-long prefabricated box truss structure with a 12-foot clear width and 10-foot overhead clearance. It sits 18 feet above the Fond du Lac River, allowing for uninterrupted navigational access below. A 10-foot-wide paved trail leads to the bridge from both sides, and the entire route — including the bridge — is equipped with lighting to enhance safety and usability during evening hours. Additionally, the project includes a new trail connection to the Fraser Point Lookout, paving of the frontage road along the east riverbank, and the addition of a new parking lot to accommodate increased park traffic.

This new infrastructure allows visitors to travel from Lighthouse Peninsula to the boardwalk in Supple Marsh without ever leaving the park. The bridge also opens up access to some of the most natural and scenic areas along the Lake Winnebago shoreline, particularly on the west side of the park, which features a dog park and a variety of walking trails. The bridge is reserved exclusively for pedestrian and bicycle use, with motorized vehicles prohibited to preserve the tranquility and safety of the space.

With the completion of this project, Fond du Lac has not only enhanced connectivity within Lakeside Park but also reaffirmed its commitment to creating inclusive, accessible, and vibrant public spaces for residents and visitors alike.