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Bridges of Iowa seeks council support for artist-designed bridge in Colby Park to mark 25 years
Summary
Representatives of Bridges of Iowa asked Windsor Heights for feedback on siting an artist-designed, commemorative bridge in Colby Park. The nonprofit said it will fund the artwork and use the bridge as a ceremonial site for program graduations; staff flagged potential related CIP needs for the park.
Bridges of Iowa representatives outlined a proposal to install an artist-designed bridge in Colby Park as part of the nonprofit’s 25th-anniversary activities, asking the Windsor Heights City Council on Nov. 4 for feedback and staff coordination.
Jamie Belt, who has worked with Bridges of Iowa since 2018, described the bridge as an interactive, informational public-art installation that would serve as a ceremonial crossing for program graduates and a point of community engagement. “The bridge is going to be the canvas… it could be an inviting place,” Belt said, adding the nonprofit hopes the structure will normalize recovery and provide an uplifting public element.
Jeff Lamberty, whose parents founded Bridges of Iowa, told the council the organization serves people referred through the criminal-justice system as well as non-incarcerated clients, that the program is year-long, CARF-certified, and that graduations are held regularly and open to the public. Lamberty said Bridges has an alumni base and a long record of work and would fund the art component; the nonprofit expects to maintain the installation for an agreed period.
Staff cautioned there are park-related capital items to consider in tandem with the project: resurfacing the Colby Park parking lot (staff cited a planning-level estimate of roughly $200,000) and restoration of a nearby bioswale/stormwater area. Staff said both items could be discussed in the CIP process and that final decisions about timing and budgets would come back to council.
Why it matters: Bridges of Iowa said the installation would raise awareness of recovery resources and create a public focal point for graduations and outreach. The group requested continued staff-level coordination and council feedback; no formal approval or funding commitment was made at the Nov. 4 meeting.
Next steps: Staff will continue conversations with Bridges of Iowa, refine timing against the city’s CIP and bring proposals back to council for budget or site approvals if and when needed.
