Phalen Stone Arch Bridge Dedication
Saturday, June 2, 2012: 11:30 a.m.

The Phalen Historic Arch bridge was originally designed and built in 1910 by renowned Minnesota engineer C.A.P. Turner and is eligible for placement on the National Register of Historic Places. Prior to restoration, pedestrian traffic continued to use the deck of the bridge to access both sides of the Phalen Channel. However, due to the crumbling underside of the arch bridge, the channel was closed to watercraft traffic between Lake Phalen and Round Lake. Restoration of the bridge included a meticulous process of disassembling only portions of the bridge so new work could be placed prior to removing additional portions of the bridge. The renovated bridge received a new concrete deck, railings that meet modern safety requirements, a new limestone facade and also a set of precast arch liner panels for supplemental structural integrity and safety for the canoeists.

The dedication ceremony will be hosted by Ward 6 City Councilmember Dan Bostrom and other local dignitaries and community members, and will feature a band performance by students from Farnsworth School. Following the ceremony, guests will be encouraged to attend the Waterfest event, which will be happening simultaneous to the ceremony in Phalen Park. The Stone Arch Bridge is located just east of the Phalen Golf Course Clubhouse.

Friends of Lake Phalen is an organization of individuals working together to protect and enhance Lake Phalen, Phalen Park and surrounding areas.

Friends of Lake Phalen work closely with the City of Saint Paul, the Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed, elected officials, members, residents and other groups to increase public awareness, develop a closer lake community, foster stewardship of the lake, and obtain funding for a variety of projects in the pursuit of this objective.

For more information or to join us in the preserving this treasure to our community, please contact us at 651-774-4971 or e-mail to lakephalen@aol.com.