Myra Hiatt Kraft Footbridge

One of two iconic bridges in Elm Park, located across the South and Elm meres. It was rebuilt and dedicated as the Myra Hiatt Kraft Footbridge in 2015.

The bridge was designed by WPI engineering students and constructed by students from Worcester Technical High School. The Rotary Club of Worcester contributed $50,000 for the design and construction of the bridge.

The bridge retailed the same basic look as when it was originally installed in the park in 1877, but was redesigned to be ADA accessible, while retaining enough of an arch to facilitate skating underneath.

The Myra Hiatt Kraft Footbridge, spring of 2017. Photo credit: Park Spirit of Worcester, Inc. c/o WPI IQP

The Myra Hiatt Kraft Footbridge, spring of 2017. Photo credit: Park Spirit of Worcester, Inc. c/o WPI IQP

Elm Park Bridge, looking north, date unknown. Photo credit: Worcester Historical Museum

Wreath laying ceremony, date unknown Photo credit: Worcester Historical Museum

Elm Park Bridge, 1894 Photo credit: Worcester Historical Museum

Elm Park Bridge, 1894 Photo credit: Worcester Historical Museum

Photo credit: Worcester Historical Museum

Sources:

Hill, John F. “Elm Park Bridge Removed, to Be Replaced by a Team of Students from WPI and Worcester Technical High School.” masslive. MassLive, October 31, 2013. https://www.masslive.com/news/worcester/2013/10/elm_park_bridge_removed_to_be.html.

O'Connell, Scott. “At Dedication of Elm Park Bridge, Robert Kraft Announces Gifts to Worcester Tech, WPI.” telegram.com. the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, December 10, 2015. https://www.telegram.com/article/20151208/NEWS/151209342.

Staff, the Worcester Sun. “Editorial: A Bridge from Worcester's Past to Its Future.” worcester.ma. The Worcester Sun, December 9, 2015. https://worcester.ma/2015/12/editorial-myra-hiatt-kraft-bridge/.