Painters work on painting Duke Gardens' Arched Bridge Photo credit: Megan Morr

Durham, NC - At Duke Gardens in the Asiatic Arboretum, the pale gray Arched Bridge over the lake has been used in wedding photography, scouting ceremonies and even as a prop for American Dance Festival performances.

In the future, those photographs are going to have a different look because last week painters gave the bridge a bright red makeover.

Paul Jones said the original color of the bridge was pale gray because Duke Gardens officials chose to mimic the color of aged wood, which is often the appearance of wood bridges in countries throughout Southeast Asia.

"The color we were aiming for was difficult to achieve because the bridge is built of pressure-treated lumber, which responds poorly to applications of stains and paints," Jones said. "The pale gray finish we achieved was close to a natural aged color."

The idea to paint the bridge red was first posed this past fall by a visiting landscape designer from Toyama, Japan. Duke Gardens officials had invited the designer to advise them on a Japanese-inspired garden they are creating.

"In response to his suggestion, I did a little research and found it not uncommon, in Japan especially, that garden or pedestrian bridges are colored bright red," Jones said. "The staff here discussed the idea with friends and peers, and we decided to act. I love it."

Dedicated in 1994, the Arched Bridge provided visitors with easy access to both sides of the arboretum's man-made pond. With its architectural interest, the bridge quickly became one of the iconic images of the gardens.

The color of the bridge won't be the only change in the Asiatic Arboretum. Over the next few years the installation of Japanese and Chinese-inspired gardens are planned.

(See more photos of the bridge being painted on Duke Gardens' Facebook page.)