May 17, 2011
As of noon today, the Turbeville Footbridge has been reopened.
"We are very pleased that this was completed several days early," said Jack Ewing, Executive Director of Lake Junaluska.
Completion of the repairs to the footbridge will allow full access to the original 2.6-mile walking path.
Since 1988, thousands of people have crossed the Turbeville Footbridge along the Lake Junaluska walking path. For the past 23 years, the footbridge has received maintenance by the Lake Junaluska staff and by several volunteer groups. From May 2 to 17, Lake Junaluska conducted a major renovation of the footbridge that will involved the full replacement of the treads that provide the walking surface on the bridge.
“This is the largest renewal project we have undertaken since the footbridge was constructed,” said Jack Ewing, Executive Director of Lake Junaluska.
The footbridge and walking path have served Haywood County residents and visitors alike as one of the most popular recreation locations in Western North Carolina.
“We host over 250,000 visitors a year at Lake Junaluska, and many of them use the footbridge and walking path as part of their Lake Junaluska experience,” continued Ewing.
During this period of renovation, no foot traffic was able to cross the bridge. Now that repairs are complete, visitors have full access to the original 2.6-mile walking path.
The footbridge was made possible by a gift from Paul M. and Willie May Turbeville of Bradenton, Florida, who have also established an endowment to provide some funds for its maintenance. According to Ewing, “Lake Junaluska would not be such a special place without donations from people like the Turbevilles. On-going donations to Lake Junaluska have enabled us to significantly improve our recreation facilities over the past 20 years.”
Lake Junaluska is owned by the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church and is open to the public for events, retreats, recreation and renewal.
Donate
Repairs for the Turbeville Footbridge are made possible through donations to Lake Junaluska. To make a donation to Lake Junaluska, please contact the Office of Development at 828-454-6680 or make a donation online at www.lakejunaluska.com/donate.