Friends of Balboa Park is spearheading an effort to rebuild the historic Honeymoon Bridge that once led loving couples over Palm Canyon in Balboa Park.

The 137-foot-long bridge opened in 1935 and connected the Alcazar Garden to the International Cottages. It was demolished sometime in the 1950s.

Designed by celebrated San Diego architect Richard Requa, the bridge featured a rustic, whimsical style, with wooden planks over a logs and mission bells hanging from shepherd’s hooks to light the way. It was said that couples who crossed the bridge were guaranteed eternal love.

The original concrete and stone abutments on each side of the canyon still exist, and would be integrated into the re-created structure, which is estimated to cost $600,000.

Friends of Balboa Park kicked off a fundraising campaign earlier this month, and the group plans to commission the preliminary studies necessary for reconstruction.

“Friends is very excited to add the Honeymoon Bridge project to our portfolio because it speaks to the very heart of what we do as an organization — preserve and enhance Balboa Park,” said Executive Director John Bolthouse.

“In the 1930s, The Bridge was said to guarantee couples eternal love if they walked across, and we are thrilled to be able to recreate that for park visitors once again,” he added.

Friends of Balboa Park is a nonprofit that has spearheaded major capital improvement throughout Balboa Park, including upgraded carillon speakers in the California Tower, restoration of the historic gate houses and operation of the historic Balboa Park Carousel.

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