Cadet Cummings was excited to tackle the challenge head-on. “It was months of late nights and double checking our extensive calculations. Being able to translate a digitally rendered structure from software and programs and go out into the field and construct the design with screws and bolts was so beneficial. I learned so much by getting hands-on with the materials. It was a special moment for us.” Peter Karis, OSI’s vice president of parks and stewardship, expressed his excitement for the project, saying, “This collaboration with West Point is mutually beneficial. OSI is not only supporting future military leaders, we're also tapping into that talent and capacity to deliver what would normally be fairly expensive, difficult structures in locations that benefit entire communities of outdoor visitors." “The cadets put up these amazing bridges in record time. It's astonishing to watch,” added Karis. “The collaboration with OSI has been a rich source of material for the growth of our cadets, as designers, as engineers, and as builders, and, perhaps most importantly, these real-world projects provide an exceptional opportunity to grow young men and women into future leaders for the Army and nation,” said Professor Klosky. After seeing the cadets’ engineering work firsthand, John Bernauer, President of Industrial Services Enterprises, made the decision to donate $9,000 worth of steel for the project through OSI. “After seeing the cadet’s impressive engineering design and drawings, I was inspired to help OSI secure the needed material, assist in the fabrication of the raw steel, and deliver the material to the project site. The cadets then erected the bridge by hand and did a great job.” OSI provided more than $15,000 for the Schunnemunk Meadows Bridge, with additional individuals and organizations providing private support. The Schunnemunk Meadows bridge project was also supported by a $15,000 grant from the Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District (OCSWCD). In total, OSI has contributed more than $65,000 toward six cadet- constructed pedestrian trail bridge projects at New York State Parks over the past six years. As part of its mission of conserving land and making outdoor spaces more welcoming and accessible to the public, OSI works diligently year-round to raise public and private dollars to support its projects and programs. Cadet Cummings was deeply impacted by the work. "Designing and building this bridge alongside my peers with the mentorship of our advisors has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my cadet career,” he said. “Our team was able to apply multiple aspects of our Civil Engineering education to solve a real-world problem and develop a landmark for the local community that complements the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. I look forward to hiking the Schunnemunk Meadows Trail and visiting the bridge our team built in the coming years." Professor Klosky also acknowledged the public recreational benefits the bridge provides to the surrounding community, saying, “I love the idea that everyone, not just the most able among us, will be able to
access these wild spaces because these bridges exist.” Cadet Gregory agreed, saying, “It’s been exciting to see what we’ve been able to accomplish as a team. I hope this project brings community members together and serves as a reflection of our team’s dedication to improving the landscape for everyone.” The site of the Schunnemunk Meadows bridge was permanently protected by OSI in 2015. Over the past two decades, OSI has protected more than 3,300 acres to create and expand Schunnemunk State Park for public benefit and enjoyment. After decades of OSI’s work to create and expand Schunnemunk State Park, OSI is now partnering with OPRHP to build a new, gentle 2.4-mile Schunnemunk Meadows Trail that will connect to the park’s Otterkill Road Trailhead. The new bridge will support year-round, multi-use recreational access for the future Schunnemunk Meadows Trail. OSI’s Karis was excited not only for the immediate benefits the bridge will provide, but for the foundation the bridge provides for future projects. “This is an amazing relationship with real outcomes that the public can feel good about. Each project produces something special and unique, and each class of cadets is creating a long-lasting legacy that improves New York’s state parks for everyone.”
The Open Space Institute protects land for people, for wildlife, forever. A leader in environmental conservation, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.3 million acres in the eastern US, from Maine to Florida. OSI’s land protection promotes clean air and water, combats climate change, improves access to recreation, strengthens communities, and provides for wildlife habitat. For more information about the Open Space Institute, please visit www.openspaceinstitute.org .
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October 2023 csengineermag.com
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