“Cross over the bridge, cross over the bridge. Leave your reckless way of livin’, cross over the bridge …”

— Recorded by Patti Page 1954.

Why do some old songs just pop into my mind? One day as I drove the routine route of 228th Street Southeast in Bothell, I did a double-take. At the corner of 228th and Fitzgerald Road, stood a brand new bridge. Hey, where did that come from?

I drove into the Canyon Park Business Center to get a better look. Found my way onto a newly paved trail with black wire fencing on one side and a rock wall on the other, which led to the bridge. As I peered over the 5-foot-high railing of the bridge, to see if any fish were swimming in North Creek, that newly sawed wood smell was the first sensation I noticed. What a solid structure this is and a neat place to stop and listen to the rushing sounds of the waters in North Creek (OK, and also the traffic sounds of 228th).

I watched two dogs play with their owner in the field next to the wetlands, and stared at a little bird perched in a tree, as he stared back at me. As I left the bridge and headed away from 228th, the paved path now turned to gravel, with blackberry bushes cascading on both the right and left sides. I could now either cross an older, smaller bridge, fording a North Creek tributary and walk back into the office park, or take a narrow path “less traveled” (Thanks Robert Frost!) in front of me, or … turn around and walk a wider, well-maintained gravel path. I chose the latter, which borders wetland reeds on one side and trees, grasses and wild flowers on the other. Ducks and birds announced my arrival with their chirps, squawks and song, most aware of my presence. This path continues on into the Canyon Park Business Center.

The beauty of this new bridge is that it lets hikers and business folk travel on foot or bicycle from Canyon Park Business Center onto the new sidewalks of Fitzgerald Road to the Quadrant Monte Villa Center to the North Creek Business Center, and reverse.

The 100-foot, architecturally cool North Creek Bridge was installed in May 2009, adding to Bothell’s North Creek Trail project.

The next time I drive around town, I’ll remember to keep my eyes wide open to not miss any new and improved structures, parks, or paths in our ever growing area.

Suzanne G. Beyer is a Bothell resident.