The Mishawaka Res Bridges

Set within 23 acres of wooded land on the east side of Mishawaka, Indiana, the Res has long served as a youth camp and nature center, offering ecological richness and a deep sense of local heritage. Originally established in 1920 as a Boy Scout Reservation, the site has been maintained by the non-profit organization The Preservation of the Res, Inc., and continues to provide a vital green space amid surrounding urban development.

Frost Engineering & Consulting was engaged to provide structural engineering services for the replacement of two deteriorated pedestrian bridges, each spanning approximately 30 feet. These bridges were essential for safe passage across the camp’s natural terrain and trail system.

In a creative and cost-effective approach, Frost designed the new bridge superstructures using salvaged steel crane beams from a nearby industrial building slated for demolition. This adaptive reuse not only reduced material waste but also honored the region’s industrial legacy by integrating locally sourced components into a natural setting.

The project was further strengthened through a partnership with a local Army group, whose involvement in the construction process brought a spirit of collaboration and community engagement to the effort.