Construction has begun on the Canopy Walk and Connectivity Project at The Dow Gardens in Midland, MI, and the first major phase—the elevated walkway—was recently featured on Michigan television station ABC12 (see below). CVM is the structural engineer for the project, which in addition to the walkway also includes a new education center, the renovation of the visitor center, an outdoor play space and two pedestrian bridges.
The walkway measures 1,400 feet long, and reaches 40 feet in the air at its highest point. Stretching through the Whiting Forest section of the Gardens, it is expected to be completed next year.
The Dow Gardens is a 110-acre landscape featuring seven different formal environments as well as the Whiting Forest. It began at the home of Herbert Dow, founder of The Dow Chemical Company, and today welcomes horticultural enthusiasts while also hosting public and private events. Designed by Metcalfe Architecture & Design, the entire Canopy Walk and Connectivity Project is scheduled to be completed in 2019.