City of Joplin opens first suspension bridge

(From the City of Joplin)

After years of visioning, planning and building, the City of Joplin’s first suspension bridge and newest pedestrian trail have officially opened to the community.

The Tin Cup Bridge and Tin Cup Trail were celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, June 26. In addition to City officials and representatives from the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and Joplin Family YMCA, the bridge and trail were celebrated by their new sponsors: Leggett & Platt and Freeman Health System. 

The new pedestrian bridge is the first of its kind in the Joplin area. At 115 feet in length, it consists of more than 1,200 feet of cable and is designed to move slightly with wind, weight and pedestrian movement. As a suspension bridge, support for the structure comes from above rather than below.

“Thriving communities offer amenities that are good for the health of their residents, such as well-maintained trails and parks,” said Nick Edwards, city manager. “The Tin Cup Bridge is distinct – it brings an artistic concept to life in a functional way. The Department of Public Works and Department of Parks and Recreation have done a remarkable job on this project.” 

The vision for a suspension bridge in south Joplin – where scenic trails, parks, creeks and Wildcat Glades have created a nature corridor – was a creative addition to the City’s evolving Active Transportation Plan and corresponding Master Trail Plan, which have led to nearly 18 miles of pedestrian-friendly trails across the city.

The City’s long-term vision is to have a trail system that takes pedestrians all the way from Grand Falls in south Joplin to the Frisco Trail that begins in north Joplin and leads through Webb City and beyond. The next piece of the Master Trail Plan is to build a trail and overlook viewing area at Grand Falls. That project is expected to begin later this year and to be completed in 2027.

While initial approval for the Tin Cup Trail project was granted in 2012 with additional funds approved in 2022 through the Parks & Stormwater Sales Tax Initiative, it took time for the City to develop plans, identify full funding, secure easements and hire partners. Through federal American Rescue Plan Act funds granted to the City along with Use Tax dollars, the bridge – a crucial piece for the connection of the trail across Tin Cup Creek - was added to the project.

The first step for the project was for the City to acquire private land adjacent to Tin Cup Creek. An 18-acre parcel of land was donated by the Kanan Family Trust. To create access to the trail and future bridge, the City worked with the Joplin Family YMCA to establish land easement. As part of that agreement, the YMCA was able to secure naming rights to the City’s new trail and bridge. The bridge is officially known as “Tin Cup Bridge, sponsored by Leggett & Platt,” and the trail is known as “Tin Cup Trail, sponsored by Freeman Health System.”

While the bridge is unique in its architecture and composition, its construction required materials that were not easy to come by. Steel cable manufacturers in the U.S. required a very long lead time, which led contractors to eventually source the cable from Switzerland.

With everything finally in place, construction began in early 2026. The total cost of the trail and bridge project was nearly $4.7 million. The trail was designed both internally and with partner Allgeier Martin, and was constructed by Hartman & Company, Inc. The bridge was constructed by Elements Construction Concepts.

At the grand opening, Joplin Mayor Rob O’Brian thanked the numerous partners who worked together to make the project happen. 

“There are many places of pride throughout Joplin and reasons for families to get outside,” he said. “The Tin Cup Bridge is a marvel, and the trail is a beautiful addition to this part of the city. We are very proud of how these organizations and businesses worked together to make it possible for the citizens of Joplin.”

Joplin Family YMCA CEO Jeremy Bumgarden said the organization is also proud to have the bridge and trail right next door.

“A huge part of our mission is promoting healthy living, and the trail is the perfect place to get outside and stay active,” he said. “We are grateful for the generous sponsors of the bridge and trail.”

The Tin Cup Bridge and Tin Cup Trail are now open to the public.

For more information on the project, contact Cassie Faucett at 417-624-0820 ext. 1204.