$29,500 donation from AFFF to replace pedestrian walking bridge at Tampa VA Hospital

Bay Pines VA Healthcare System – CW Bill Young Campus  

Tampa, Fla.  – COMING SOON

The Armed Forces Families Foundation has committed nearly $29,500 for the replacement of a pedestrian walking bridge at Bay Pines CW Bill Young VA Medical Center (BPVAHCS –CWBY) in Bay Pines, Florida. 

The project, which is expected to begin this year, will include the demolition of an existing walking bridge that was closed more than four years due to safety concerns and the construction for a replacement. 

The replacement of the bridge will extend the existing walking trail, allowing for greater utilization and enjoyment by veterans receiving care at the hospital and their family members. The installation of a new bridge will also greatly enhance the experience of veterans participating in Whole Health initiatives and groups meeting on-campus, which have shown to provide a myriad of social and health benefits. 

Further, the location of the proposed bridge site will act as a focal point and beautification project for the hospital’s growing Fisher House footprint. Fisher House, a non-profit run facility that provides no-cost housing and living facilities for in-need veterans and their family members. Plans are underway to build an additional Fisher House next to the trail within the next two years, which will help meet growing demand. The new bridge will be a highly visible and well utilized part of the facility for years to come.