Jane's Bridge

John Comunale is the owner and artist of Comunale Sculptural Concepts. The construction of Janes Bridge was his labor of love to memorialize his recently deceased cousin who attended The Old Trail School in Bath, Ohio. Comunale said he wanted the bridge to be beautiful and strong like his memory of Jane.

Galvanizing was chosen for several reasons.

Although small span, Janes Bridge is an invaluable aid to the students. Before the bridge was placed, the students had to walk all the way around the swampy creek and heavy vegetation from the recreation building to the sports fields. They could never be sure if the small creek would be flowing, muddy, or dry. In the wet season, they were never sure what critters could be lurking in the swampy undergrowth.

Galvanizing was chosen for several reasons. Maintenance had to be minimized, as the bridge is set in a potentially difficult area to access for repainting. Comunale wanted the long-term corrosion protection to provide a long-lasting tribute to his cousin. His intention is to have generations of children be able to enjoy the beauty and functionality of the bridge while recalling the memory of Jane. Comunale felt the use of galvanizing enhanced the natural setting by providing some contrast in color and texture, while not detracting from the tranquil surroundings. A balance of natural appearance, a visual contrast, and long-term corrosion protection was provided by the use of hot-dip galvanizing.

The artist also wanted to give a nod to sustainability and local involvement. He used recycled materials, local suppliers, and volunteers to aid in the construction. The galvanizer was proud to supply the galvanizing at no charge. Artistically, a close inspection shows the intricate depiction of cattails and herons indigenous to the area set in the Cuyahogo Valley National Park. The laser cut sheet metal posed concerns about the final appearance due to warpage and handling damage. Careful handling at the galvanizing plant protected the intricate designs, and the final appearance was just as Comunale had anticipated. Janes Bridge is a fitting tribute to a beloved cousin for the children of the Old Trail School to enjoy and remember for generations.