Anyone who drives down Logan Street is greeted with the downtown hub of Noblesville, they’re greeted with a vibrant floral installation sitting on the bridge over the White River. Brightening the stone structure, it has transformed downtown Noblesville’s image.
Known as The Bridge of Flowers, this pedestrian bridge is filled with seasonal florals, blooming trellises, and large flower baskets. It was established in the summer of 2021 by father and daughter duo, Dick and Sylvia Gordon.
“She thought about our bridge here at that time, when the bridge had been built, but that walking area was just completely empty. There was nothing there other than just space,” Chair of Friends of the Bridge of Flowers, Peg Adams said.
Inspired by the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne, Massachusetts, Noblesville local Sylvia Gordon decided she wanted to bring the same experience to her hometown of Noblesville.
She asked her father, a philanthropist who was very familiar with fundraising, to help her with the project.
“As a matter of fact, both the city and the county ended up contributing funds to make it happen,” Adams said.
The Bridge of Flowers is dependent on the time dedicated by volunteers and local donations from those in the community. It took two and a half years for the idea to move to the final product. During this time, the Gordon’s hired Chicago architects to develop the designs. They also brought on former landscape designer Adams.
“[I got] to come on board and be able to meet new people and just contribute back to the community,” Adams said.
Many residents of Noblesville don’t know the amount of time and effort that goes into the bridge.
“It [is] all volunteer driven? That is so crazy and I never would have guessed that,” sophomore Nola Trusty said.
The Bridge of Flowers’ mission is to cultivate a shared space that fosters connection, appreciation of nature, and enhancing downtown Noblesville for all. It’s a project noticed by even the students of NHS.
“I think that it’s [a] very nice addition to downtown Noblesville,” sophomore Kyra Means said.
The Bridge of Flowers committee hopes to find a student member to contribute to their cause. Adams said they would love to offer volunteer services and hours for those interested in gaining some for college applications.
“We would love the input of some youth,” Adams said.
