The Golden Gate Bridge, whose graceful
beauty and scenic views make it a top tourist destination, will soon
add another attraction to lure visitors - an extensive array of outdoor
exhibits that explain its engineering and history.
The National Science Foundation Tuesday awarded the bridge district
$3 million to build the exhibits - featuring a 92-foot-long scale model
of the famous bridge as a centerpiece for 24 interactive displays.
Located at the bridge's southern visitor area, which now features a
sparse collection of informational plaques, the exhibit is expected to
draw as many as 10 million visitors a year.
"We are pleased that the bridge, an international icon visited by
millions, will come alive with interactive educational exhibits," said
Al DeSena, a science foundation program director, in a prepared
statement.
According to bridge and foundation officials, the exhibits will
offer something for both sightseers making quick stops as well as
students on school field trips and others who want to stay longer. It
will be planned in conjunction with the National Park Service and
designed to fit into the natural setting of the area, bridge officials
said.
The exhibits are expected to be planned this year with prototypes
developed next year and installation beginning in 2011. It should be
completed by 2012.
"We're aiming for May 2012, the 75th anniversary of the bridge," said Mary Currie, bridge district spokesman.
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