Riley Springs Footbridge, Washington, District of Columbia, DC

Significance: Riley Springs Footbridge is one of a series of eight footbridges built in Rock Creek Park during the Depression, of which Rapids Footbridge (HAER No. DC-14) is the most notable. All these bridges were Public Works Administration projects. The rustic style exemplifies the type of crossing advocated by Albert H. Good in his sourcebook Park Structures and Facilities (1935). Good recommended stone or wood as a construction material and a rugged or informal appearance for bridges in park settings. However, concrete was acceptable for reasons of economy, but only so long as the material was expressed honestly. In his book, Good illustrated the Rapids Footbridge, and described it as a "frankly concrete" bridge in Rock Creek Park.
Survey number: HAER DC-32
Building/structure dates: 1934- 1935 Initial Construction