Suspension Bridge Opens, Connecting Visitors to New Section of Innovation Hills in Rochester Hills
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Nov. 3, 2024)
Rochester Hills, MI – Since opening four years ago, Innovation Hills Park in Rochester Hills has been a work in progress as new features are being continuously added. Last week a big piece of the puzzle was unveiled as the ribbon was cut on a new suspension bridge that connects another 40 acres to the 70 acres in the main area of the park.
“We are so proud of this park,” said Mayor Bryan Barnett in a ceremony Oct. 30. “This feature here is only going to expand the ways people use Innovation Hills.”
The bridge itself is just over 112 feet, and the towers are 20 feet tall. The bridge takes visitors over the Clinton River, and the massive height is required in order for the bridge to clear the flood plain. Because of the height required, design options were limited. But they did decide to have some fun with it, with the mayor likening it to the bridge in the movie Indiana Jones. With grated steps and platforms, and a noticeable sway as people cross, it is a bit of an adventure.
“When I was out here last week,” Barnett added, “I came out here to kind of check it out. I wanted to see it too, and there were a couple ladies who had snuck over the fence and had gotten on the bridge. And I walked up to the and they were jumping on the center. I came up an I introduced myself, I didn’t want to scare them, and I asked them who they were. They told me, and they said ‘we feel like we’re kids again.’ I said do you mind if I ask you your age. She said ‘we’re both 71.’ The got up on this rope bridge and just found some relaxation, some fun in the open environment and we hope that’s what people enjoy here.”
The 40 acre area is surrounded by homes and there is access from the neighborhoods. The area is labeled no dogs allowed, with the Mayor stating “We don’t even really want dogs over here. We want to keep it nature.”
A .5 mile loop through the annex, called the Greenspace Loop, takes visitors through somewhat hilly terrain and a nice mix of trees.
Barnett thanked the city employees, engineers at HRC, and the Greenspace Committee for stepping up to the challenge of connecting the land on the far side of the river.
Innovation Hills also boasts a children’s play area, boardwalks through woods and wetlands, a fountain in a pond with a glow in the dark pathway around it, and trails along the river. Barnett said that this year the park is on track to see over 450,000 visitors. Learn more about Innovation Hills at https://www.rochesterhills.org/departments/parks_and_natural_resources/trailsandparks/innovationhills.php.
