Cement rustic bridges

In the park behind Council House De Paauw are three unusual bridges, so-called "cement rustic" bridges. At first glance, they appear to be ordinary bridges. But if you look closely, the bridges appear to be made of wood. The bridges consist of railroad tracks, iron bars, chicken wire and cement, but are designed as if they were made of rocks, tree trunks and branches. 

Restoration

Currently, the bridges are being restored due to rusting. The characteristic railings, designed as branches, are also being reinstalled. The surrounding planting is being modified so that the bridges can be better displayed. 

Through a contribution from the Province of South Holland, a restoration plan has been worked on in recent years. The restoration work is also made possible by a grant from the province of South Holland.

History of the bridges

Between 1875 and 1930, cement rustic bridges, rocks, benches and arbors were constructed throughout the country by the Utrecht firm Moerkoert. 

The bridges in the park were probably constructed in the early twentieth century by the Moerkoert firm on behalf of the Kessler-De Lange family. The wider bridge with quay wall came about as part of the Villa Ruys vegetable garden complex.