The Parrish Bridge connects the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Health Sciences Building to the Engineering & Industry Building. The bridge provides a safe, secure, and weather protected means of travel across Providence Drive, the most heavily traveled arterial through campus, and promotes a pedestrian-friendly campus. The bridge also serves as a gateway to campus and the U-Med district.
The bridge was named in honor of Ann and Al Parrish, a couple deeply connected to UAA. Ann, an alumna of UAA, served as the first female president of the Board of Regents. Al was CEO of Providence Hospital for 11 years. During that time, he built connections between the hospital and UAA’s health programs. The bridge, which links UAA’s main campus with Providence, Anchorage’s largest health center, is a fitting tribute to the Parrishes.
The bridge is 230 feet long, and boasts a nearly imperceptible quarter-inch slope, which is quite amazing. Its unique leaning-arch design provides stability and support without touching any municipal property.
Watch out for moose! And other animals!
Parking is free on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, weekdays after 7:30 pm, some holidays, and between semesters. Also several bus routes stop here, and bike trails are nearby.
Cache is a bison with a view of the bridge