Davenport Skybridge
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The Davenport Skybridge is a pedestrian suspension bridge that spans River Drive (Highway 67) in downtown Davenport, Iowa. It connects LeClaire Park to a courtyard on 2nd Street, located right next to the River Music Experience. The bridge is 50 feet tall and 575 feet long, and was completed in 2005. It was designed by Holabird & Root and Neumann Monson, P.C.
The inside of the Skybridge contains kaleidoscope lighting. The lighting consists of 228 LED fixtures and 8,036 individual lights. The LED's are capable of displaying various patterns. The lighting color and patterns can be adjusted for events occurring in the area, such as a red, white, and blue color scheme for the 4th of July; red and green for Christmas; and various other patterns.
At the south end, facing the river, is an observation deck with a view of the Mississippi River, LeClaire Park Bandshell, The Centennial Bridge, and the Davenport Levee, where many festivals take place throughout the warmer months.
The bridge cost around $7 million to build. It has faced many criticisms from Davenport residents about its tremendous cost and its lack of practicality. The skybridge has also been vandalized several times since its completion, adding to its cost through repairs. However, few have argued against its aesthetic value and its place as a local landmark.
