Skydance Bridge

Is it weird to review public art on Unilocal?I’m going with no. I finally walked across this bridge today. There was a group of ten or so young adults posing for various photo ops at the time. I love the structure and I think it’s great for OKC. I especially love the light feature at night. What it makes me think about most though, is what is on the horizon-​the 70 acre downtown park that will be connected by this pedestrian bridge. It’s hard to visualize 7 years from now, but this bridge is just the beginning.

Skydance Bridge is pretty cool monument /​landmark. Back when I rep’d the 405, the only thing lit up around I-​40 at night was helicopters looking for escaped inmates. But fast forward to 2014, the unique architecture glows at night in different colors! It reminds of the War of the Gods Light Ship from Battlestar Galactica with its beautiful aura of colors.
But in all seriousness, the bridge’s soaring architecture was inspired by Oklahoma’s state bird, the scissor-​tailed flycatcher. Also, the bridge color of light can be changed remotely, depending on the event or holiday. Hopefully in June 2014, the colors will be Navy Blue, Light blue, Orange, and Gold after the OKC Thunder WIN the 2014 NBA Championship! Thunder up!

I don’t always review local landmarks, but when I do, I try to be as noncommittal as possible.
If I could describe the Skydance Bridge in one word, the most accurate characterization would probably be «mmmm.» Is it pretty? Mmmm… Maybe. During the day it’s kind of an eyesore and could even be mistaken for an incomplete construction project from far away. At night it’s much more aesthetically pleasing, what with the random light color changes and stuff. Either way, it’s… Interesting.
I was talking to the structural engineer whose job involved (amongst other things) ensuring that the legs of the scissor-​tailed flycatcher could handle the stress of the Oklahoma winds buffeting the wings that are pointed straight up in the air. Actually, that’s how I first found out about it. It seems to be one of those things that was created by people who clearly didn’t think about the (im)practicality of having to actually build or maintain it. Yeah yeah, I get it… Art… And stuff.
When heading West on I-​40, a close view of the Skydance bridge is somewhat obstructed by another (non-​birdy) bridge right before it. I doubt that road is planning to move anywhere so that obstructed view is seemingly a permanent fixture. So if you want a nice clean view to take pictures (to post on the social media website of your choice), you’re better off doing it when heading towards Downtown as opposed to away from it. I’ve noticed that I’m more often heading into the city while it’s still fairly light out, and heading out when it gets dark, so I’ve never really captured a good photograph to showcase the bridge in all of its LED glory.
This is specifically the type of landmark that gets destroyed when the Autobots are fighting the Decepticons while trying to protect that twitchy constant screamer, Shy LaBeef.

This bridge is a lot prettier at night since the structure changes colors every few seconds. It is very new and I love the smell of whichever type of wood they used to build it.
The architecture is unique and cool looking. It’s supposed to resemble Oklahoma’s state bird, the scissor tailed flycatcher. There are benches so you can sit and watch cars go by on I-​40. The bridge is in walking distance of downtown. The best way to get to it is on S. Robinson Ave whether you’re coming from north or south of I-​40. It’s pretty easy to find — can’t really miss that hunk of metal.
Is this bridge worth the $ 5.8 million the city spent on it? NOPE. But it’s there, nothing can be changed. I went there last night and found a bunch of graffitis that wasn’t there before. People can’t seem to keep their hands off property that’s not theirs! This ain’t LA! This is a nice place and I want it to stay that way, not covered in trash and paint.

Skydance Bridge can easily be seen when driving on I-​40, and during the day this is how I first came across the bridge. From far away I was confused to what this was … was it a crane? why is it shaped like a giant jack, you know, from the child game with a ball and jacks? I was confused and when we got near the bride I saw it was some type of landmark.
Passed by the bridge again at night and saw it beautifully lighted. The lighting changes colors every few seconds. Had I originally known that this was a pedestrian bridge I would have loved to stop by and taken pictures.
If you’re visiting Oklahoma, stop by at night or drive by, it is very beautiful.