Sundial Bridge Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Redding

September 1, 2016

The northern-Califonia community of Redding did a special thing back in 2004 by commissioning a magnificent piece of functional artwork.  Is is a cantilever spar cable-stayed bridge  across the Sacramento River.  The cantilever supports the entire 700-foot span, which does not touch the water.

The now-famous Sundial Bridge

The complex was an international effort of sorts.  The cantilever itself was designed by a Spaniard and constructed in Washington.  The cables were made in England; the sundial itself and its plaza are decorated with broken white tile from Spain; and the deck is surfaced with translucent glass from Quebec.

The walkway lights up at night

The cantilever points directly north, enabling it to act as a sundial, although the time suggested by its shadow is truly accurate only on the Summer Solstice.  The shadow's tip purportedly moves at approximately one foot per minute, which enables a viewer to 'see' the Earth's rotation in progress.

Trying for salmon, steelhead, and rainbow trout

The original city plan had budgeted three million dollars; but the final cost was $23.5 million, subsequently justified by the economic benefits of its tourist attraction.

The cantilever is 217 feet long and sits at a 42-degree angle

On the far side of the bridge is Turtle Bay Exploration Park, which features a number of unusual attractions.

Fossil Rock also has a lot of birds on it    ⇔

A unique and beautiful design

There are quite a few bonzai-style gardens

Back near the park entrance

There is more to see in this park; I need to return for additional photographs

§: Unless one is a fisher or boater, Redding really doesn't have a lot to offer most tourists; but the Sundial Bridge is a distinct exception.  It is best to visit other than in the summertime, however.  Too bloody hot.