This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Island Park Bridge Named After Parks Superintendent Larry Gabriel

Dedication honors 30 years of service to Geneva Park District.

The North Bridge to Island Park in Geneva has a new name honoring the man who oversaw its construction from start to finish. 

On Saturday, June 29, 2013, a red ribbon was cut and the North Bridge officially became the "Larry Gabriel Bridge" in honor of Gabriel's 30 years of service to the Geneva Park District and residents of Geneva.

Geneva Park District Executive Director Sheavoun Lambillotte made the announcement during a brief ceremony at Island Park, which is coming up on the 100-year anniversary of its conception.

Island Park was designed in 1914 by the Parks Commissioners Fred Hill, Charles Peterson and David Flynn, with the professional guidance of J.H. Proust, superintendent of parks for Chicago. The park was seen as a way to connect the 3,000 residents from the east and west sides of Geneva, and became known as the Children’s Isle. A wooden bridge constructed by William Cummings connected the north end of the island.

In 1931, Geneva selected August Wilson to construct an improved bridge. The new bridge cost $3,960, and was dedicated on Sept. 25, 1931, with a ceremony that featured games such as dropping clothespins into milk bottles, and a watermelon-eating contest.

By 2004, the 70-year-old bridge had developed severe structural problems, and a new project began to replace it. Funds for the new bridge were finally secured with a grant from stimulus funding in 2010 for $729,110. Construction began in spring of 2012, and completed in October.


We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?