New footbridge makes connections from fieldhouse to fields in multiple ways

A beautiful new connection is taking shape at Heidelberg University.

For about 10 minutes Friday morning, the Farmen Footbridge was suspended in midair as a large crane lifted then placed it into its new home.

The bridge creates a new link between Frann’s Fieldhouse and Peaceful Valley via the Rock Creek Trail.

“It was just cool,” said Ashley Helmstetter, Vice President for Advancement, Marketing, Alumni, and Community Relations. “What a unique opportunity to watch the delivery and installation of the bridge. That is not something that happens every day.”

In all, from delivery to placement, the process took less than 15 minutes. Crews followed up with final touches to secure the bridge Friday morning.

The installation marks an exciting milestone for a project designed to do more than help people get from Point A to Point B.

“Not only does the Farmen Footbridge provide improved access between the Fieldhouse and Peaceful Valley, but it also represents the university’s continued connection to the Tiffin community,” Ashley said.

The footbridge provides easier and more convenient access to Peaceful Valley, home to Heidelberg’s softball and baseball complex, and Hidden Valley, the soccer field, while extending access to the city's Rock Creek Trail. Once open, it will be available to Heidelberg students and the university community, alumni, community members and guests to enjoy the trail.

The story behind its name reaches back to Alumni Weekend 2025.

During that weekend in June a year and a half ago, Ray and Sharon Farmen were listening as ’Berg President Rob Huntington shared his vision for future campus projects and spoke about opportunities for alumni to make a difference.

In that moment, the Farmens were inspired by what they heard. Ray, a ’76 alum, and Sharon ’75 made a commitment to fund the footbridge.

For the couple, the project represented an opportunity to enhance the student experience while creating a stronger connection between Heidelberg and the broader Tiffin community.

Today, the vision is becoming a reality.

The Farmen Footbridge will be formally dedicated during a ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 24, as part of Heidelberg’s Homecoming Weekend.

It is, fittingly, a bridge built on connection – connecting the Fieldhouse and Peaceful Valley, campus and community, and generations of Heidelberg alumni to the university they continue to call home.