Help Repair Webster Arboretum's Beloved Bridge

The Webster Arboretum, located at 1700 Schlegel Road in Webster, NY, is a non-profit park and arboretum. It is open to the public and is free to all. It encompasses trails, pathways, gazebos, ponds, and the horticultural displays are meticulously maintained by volunteers.

The arboretum is a beloved community space, offering free monthly classes, educational tours, and a peaceful natural retreat for visitors of all ages. It’s also a treasured setting for weddings and a favorite backdrop for professional photographers capturing life’s most meaningful moments—graduations, anniversaries, and countless wedding days.

Constructed in 2017, the Carol Manning bridge has become an essential part of the community landscape. In addition to its aesthetic value, the bridge holds significant symbolic importance to the arboretum, having been funded by community contributions and named to honor two long-term benefactors. For the volunteers who maintain the arboretum, the bridge is regarded as a key emblem of Webster, extending beyond its function as a physical structure.

The bridge holds considerable importance for both The Webster Arboretum and the surrounding community, serving as a notable location for photographs during weddings and other events. It is possible that images of the bridge are displayed in homes throughout the area.

Regrettably, the beloved bridge is now closed due to safety concerns. The supporting concrete footings have sustained significant damage, causing the bridge to lean to one side. The bridge is unstable and in urgent need of repair. Its restoration is critical—not just for safety, but to preserve the beauty and tradition that so many in our community hold dear. With your support, we can ensure that this special place continues to inspire and serve for generations to come.