GREENVILLE – A large crowd gathered for the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the Kay Poeppelman Memorial Bridge, a community-driven project honoring a longtime volunteer and supporter of Darke County Parks.
Family members, local officials, business supporters, and community residents assembled at 104 N. Broadway for the dedication ceremony, where speakers reflected on both the bridge’s development and the life of its namesake, Kay Poeppelman.
Current Park District Executive Director, Rob Clifford, led the event by highlighting the history of the bridge, those involved in this “community project”, and Kay’s lifetime of volunteer service. Clifford spoke about her as a steady presence with a heart and soul for volunteering. He told stories of her role as “camp mom”, drawing sniffles and smiles from those in attendance.
Additional remarks were delivered by former Park Director Roger Van Frank, Jim Poeppelman, and Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rachel Neal. The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting led by Jim Poeppelman, assisted by his 6-year-old grandson, Ethan Poeppelman.
The bridge is located at a former creek crossing along the old railroad tracks on Walnut Street. Originally acquired by the Park District in the 1990s and converted into a trestle bridge, the structure sustained significant damage during the 2024 tornado, prompting the need for replacement. Once Kay’s husband, Jim Poeppleman, caught wind of the project he jumped in and became the lead volunteer. The project was completed a short 8 months after he joined.
The project was completed at a fraction of the original $500,000 estimate, thanks to volunteer labor and materials, insurance proceeds, and minimal levy dollars.
Representative Angie King was unable to attend the ceremony but sent a commendation and praised the project as “a reflection of community dedication and collaboration.”
According to the plaque displayed on the bridge, construction was led by the Friends of Darke County Parks: Ivan Brand, Carol Hathaway, Mike Henderson, Wayne Fisher, Jill Fisher, Mitch McCabe, Pat McClurg, Jim Poeppelman, Joshua Sheppard, John Sheppard, Ben Sheppard, Jeff Yantis, and Mike Colamarino.
Additional contributions of materials, services, equipment, and expertise were provided by numerous local businesses and individuals, including Jim Surber, Frank Miller Lumber, Fastenal, Kline Timber, Ace Hardware, Ansonia Lumber, JD Fence, Rebsco, The Light Foundation, AZZ Galvanizing, Pepcon, Ernst Custom Concrete, C & H Custom Wrought Iron, Pat Smith Painting, and Lasty Legacy Memorials.
The completed bridge boasts an impressive overall length of 160 feet, including 88 feet of covered structure. An informational display near the site provides construction details and photographs documenting the project’s progress, while plaques recognize Poeppelman and the many contributors.
The bridge is expected to serve not only as a functional crossing but also as a gathering place for the community. In August, more than 200 cyclists participating in the Tour de Darke will travel across the bridge as part of the annual event.
Organizers say the project stands as a lasting example of community collaboration and will provide a scenic venue for photos, weddings, and family gatherings for years to come.
