Francis Walsh always has loved the small-town feel of Saddle River, his family’s generational home for nearly 50 years.
He loves that the lots are big (two-acre minimum in the 5-square-mile town), the taxes are small (you’d be pleasantly surprised), and that it comes with a sense of community that reminds residents of a long-ago time.
“I call it the ‘Hidden Gem’ of New Jersey,” he said.
One that needed a landmark that was as unique as the town itself.
That’s why, when Mayor Al Kurpis approached him three years ago about his vision —building the first covered bridge in the state in decades — Walsh quickly agreed to be a major funder.
“The mayor called me, explained how he and his wife just came back from Vermont, and how he wanted to bring that small-town New England lifestyle, one that came with covered bridges, to New Jersey,” Walsh said.
“He said, ‘Our town doesn’t stand out from any other town.’
“I could hear the passion in his voice — and I could see his vision over the phone. I immediately said I would help.”
Last Saturday, that vision became a reality.
The Walsh Family Bridge, a structure approximately 80 feet long, 10 feet wide and 9 feet tall, officially opened. For Walsh, the CEO of National Retail Systems, a second-generation logistics company based in North Bergen, it was the ultimate community event.
Having it take place in the town where his wife grew up — and they raised their five kids — meant everything to him.
“I can’t think of a better way to give back to the community that has given us so much,” he said.
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The bridge is more than just a postcard-perfect edition to the landscape. It not only connects two parks — it creates a pathway to an 11-acre pond area that locals previously could not reach.
Now they can. Kind of.
Once you reach the other side, it’s best to turn back around, Walsh said.
The terrain around Tricker Lake is tough.
“You can go fishing there, but you’d need some waders to do so,” Walsh said. “And you could go hiking there, but it wouldn’t be easy.”
At least right now.
The bridge is just the first phase of a project that will create a nature trail in the community.
A large bronze statue of Mother Nature already has been commissioned — it will be placed on the other end of the bridge. And there are plans to create a walking trail, too, enabling residents to appreciate art and the natural beauty of nature.
“I had never been over there before,” he said. “It’s beautiful.”
Walsh said the area could be a bird sanctuary. Or a sanctuary for anyone looking for that time-gone-by type of atmosphere that fits the nature of the town.
Walsh gives credit to Kurpis for the idea.
“This is his vision,” he said. “I’m just happy that my family could play a part in it.”
Others are happy, too.
Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Silna Zur said the impact of the bridge will be deep.
“This bridge summons nostalgia of our region’s past, but also actively builds a future where we can connect with nature and each other,” she said. “This generosity by the Walsh Family ensures access to beautiful open space that the county is grateful to help preserve.
“It also creates a stunning landmark for Saddle River for generations to come.”
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They don’t make covered bridges anymore.
In fact, no one can remember the last time they did so.
Aside from their aesthetic value, covered bridges had a practical purpose, too. They protected the wood, which often was walked on by horses and buggies.
Modern times made them irrelevant. But modern technology makes them sturdier.
Walsh said the bridge, which cost approximately $1.5 million to construct, has plenty of wood — but plenty of wood-like material, too.
“That means it will last a lot longer,” he said.
Walsh said he only has one regret about the project: Not enough people can see it.
The bridge itself is behind town hall. In other words, you can’t see it from everywhere in town.
“You can’t see it unless you go up to it,” he said. “It’s hidden in the woods, which kind of makes it unique.”
Then he joked.
“I wish you could see it from the main road so all the other towns will be jealous,” he said.
Of course, once word gets out that a new covered bridge was constructed, you can be sure that plenty of nature lovers will make a pilgrimage to see it.
Walsh is OK with that.
He’s thrilled to have played a part in anything that will make others realize what his family has known for decades: Saddle River is a unique place to live.
And one of the few places anywhere with a new covered bridge.
