Boiseans love their river. One of the city's best, four-season spots to appreciate the beauty of that river - not to mention its cottonwood-lined banks, the Foothills beyond and a big dome of western sky - is the Bob Gibb Friendship Bridge.

City and university leaders started talking about building a bridge between the campus and Julia Davis Park as early as 1970. It finally happened in 1977, thanks to $121,000 in federal funds.

Bob Gibb, the bridge's namesake, was an assistant to Boise State President John Barnes. Gibb was also assistant director of the university's extended day program and summer sessions. He had long advocated for the bridge.

He retired from BSU just as the bridge was nearing completion. He died on July 1, 1977, the first day of his retirement from the university at the age of 65. Barnes proposed naming the bridge in Gibb's honor. The city council agreed.

Barnes and Boise Mayor Dick Eardley dedicated the bridge in October of that year. Gibb's widow Marjorie cut a ribbon officially opening the span.

Anna Webb: 377-6431