Bridge of Flowers Is Enhancing Downtown Noblesville and Encouraging Foot Traffic
Writer / Julie Yates
Photographer / Walker Photography
The southside of the Logan Street Bridge in downtown Noblesville is a botanical wonderland, no matter what the weather it is like.
Home to a linear park, the Bridge of Flowers, the compact area has benches, raised plant beds, two pergolas and several large planters. The displays change with the seasons, but thanks to supporters, the perennial hardscape is always present and visually interesting.
The Bridge of Flowers was founded by Dick Gordon, his daughter Sylvia Gordon, Dave Riddle and Peg Adams. After his daughter described a similar site in Massachusetts, Gordon presented the idea to officials of Hamilton County and the City of Noblesville. When the beautification project was approved, donations from both large and small businesses AND INDIVIDUALS made the transformation of the 150-foot gathering space possible.
The permanent structures were put in place by August of 2022. The pergolas now have wisteria vines winding around them in addition to enchanting lights. The RAISED BEDS are equipped with irrigation lines. Plantings in the large flower beds may rotate but there are always perennials such as day lilies, coral bells, cornflowers, ornamental grass and some small trees. The inviting benches are a perfect spot to view the White River.
“It’s a winter scene until spring,” Gordon says. “Everything you see now will be there until Peg Adams, who is the flower chairwoman, and her team put in the spring flowers. I did a lot of work at the beginning of the initiative and, along with Dave Riddle, take care of the finances and make sure that everything moves along smoothly. Peg and her team are the ones who work hard now.”
“We held a gala last fall, which was attended by 180 people,” he adds. “Logan Street BRIDGE was closed, and a first-class buffet was set up under the stars. A beautiful orchestra played fabulous music from the Glenn Miller era. We plan on holding a gala annually to raise money and involve the community. The next one will be in mid-August.”
One of the permanent structures is a donor wall recognizing different levels. Degrees of giving are as follows: Platinum, $25,000; Diamond, $10,000 to $5,000; Gold, $4,999 to $1,000; Silver, $999 to $500; Bronze, $499 to $300. The wall has room to mount additional plaques.
“Gaylord Electric was our first sponsor,” Gordon says. “Many of the small downtown businesses of Noblesville are represented. We are looking for more support for the spring. For just $300, your name could be on the wall.”
For additional details, go to noblesvillebridgeofflowers.com.
