The Glendale–Los Angeles Garden River Bridge is a connector, a garden over the river, a destination, and a biodiversity hotspot. Situated at Mile 31 of the LA River and nestled between Griffith Park, the San Fernando Valley, and the Verdugo Hills, the bridge will provide a much-needed pedestrian and bicycle connection between the City of Glendale and Ferraro Fields, the Los Angeles Zoo, and Griffith Park.
Conceptually, the site elements are inspired by a river’s point bar; water moving on the outside of the bend moves faster and causes scouring, while water on the inside of the bend moves slower and results in deposition. This is evident in the location and size of raised planters as well as the size and texture of the proposed plant species.
Visitors entering the bridge from either side pass through a threshold of shade-providing canopy trees that also act as a wayfinding beacon while traveling on the LA River Trail and Glendale Narrows Riverwalk. Separate paths for pedestrians and bicyclists provide a measure of safety and will create a direct connection. Between these direct paths, spaces for seating and gathering are defined by overhead shade canopies that act as armatures for vines.
The Overlook on Zoo Drive provides views of Griffith Park and provides an accessible connection up the side of the levee to reach the level of the bridge. The Perch on the Glendale side is a wood platform that provides shade and stepped seating allowing long views of the River. The Sun Deck in the center of the bridge span has custom wood lounge chairs for visitors that want to soak up the sun and enjoy views in all directions.
