The city of Conway鈥檚 Love Lock Bridge has taken shape as a new attraction for lovers and sightseeing sweethearts to engage with along the Riverwalk.
The worldwide evolution of love lock bridges has spanned continents, cultures and centuries, but the most celebrated and appealing destination for love lock bridges blossomed in Paris, France in 2008.
For the local romantics, Conway city spokesperson June Wood said they were inspired to carry a piece of Paris to Conway.
鈥淪ome people carve their initials into it, some people have them made. There are all different kinds of ideas that people do,鈥 Wood said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one of those things that kind of evolves.鈥
The Love Lock Bridge is between the marina parking lot on Elm Street and the Shriner's Club driveway.聽
In France, colorful, sturdy symbols of everlasting unions decorated Pont de Artes Bridge over the Seine River and the tradition was cherished by tourists galavanting about the City of Love.
However, Parisians considered the romantic rhetoric visually displeasing of the Seine River and disruptive to the structural integrity of the bridge. In 2015 part of the Pont de Artes collapsed from the weight of the locks and with heavy hearts, authorities have forbidden the practice.
The padlocks symbolize love and commitment and the tradition of attaching the lock to a bridge, chain or fence and throwing away the key defines an eternal bond.
The city of Conway introduced the Love Lock Bridge in lieu of Valentine鈥檚 Day and, considering its purpose is to withstand the test of time, the attraction will remain year round. The bridge is located between the marina parking lot on Elm Street and the Shriners Club driveway.
鈥淲e are excited to see people be able to leave their mark in the area and show the love for people they care about,鈥 Wood said.
Compared to Pont des Artes in Paris, the quaint bridge over the Riverwalk is nowhere near collapsing, so you can pay a visit and leave a mark with a piece of your heart.
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