Press Release: Bridging the Triad competition promotes engineering
Get ready to unleash your inner engineer and ignite your imagination! This winter, Parks & Recreation departments across the Triad are teaming up to present an exciting opportunity to dive into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) while having a blast. Introducing Bridging the Triad – an annual bridge-building contest designed to challenge your creativity, test your skills, and connect families in fun and educational ways.
Now in its eighth year, Bridging the Triad has become a beloved winter tradition, attracting participants from Greensboro, High Point, Kernersville, Lexington, and Winston-Salem. The event offers a perfect way to brighten up the colder months with hands-on fun that sparks curiosity and fosters learning for both kids and adults.
What Makes Bridging the Triad So Special?
It’s Completely FREE: No cost to participate! All supplies and instructions are provided.
It’s a STEM Adventure: Engage with fundamental engineering concepts as you design and build a bridge using just 100 popsicle sticks and Elmer’s glue.
It’s a Challenge: Test your bridge’s strength against others in the region and see how much weight your structure can hold.
It’s for Everyone: With categories for ages 8-10, 11-14, 15-17, and adults, participants of all ages can join the fun and compete.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Pick up your packet of materials and instructions from your local recreation department and start building! The top bridges in each category will qualify to advance to the regional finals and compete for the ultimate engineering bragging rights.
Event Timeline
Pick up your packet and build your bridge: Glue takes time to dry so pick up your packet and get to work!
Local Competitions: The journey begins on February 1, 2025, with local contests held at five recreation centers across the Triad. Test your design’s strength and see if your bridge makes it to the next level.
Regional Finals: The top three youth bridges and the top adult bridge from each local competition will advance to the regional finals, happening at the Robbins Recreation Center in Lexington on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in celebration of National Engineer’s Week.
Bridges are judged on their efficiency—how much weight they can hold divided by the mass of the structure. This thrilling two-part event is not only a test of skill but also a showcase of ingenuity and teamwork.
Where to Pick Up Your Packet
Packets are available now at the following locations. Contact your local recreation department for more details and join the conversation on Facebook to stay updated with news, photos, and highlights:
Greensboro Parks and Recreation • Griffin Recreation Center, 5301 Hilltop Rd, Greensboro • 336-373-2928
High Point Parks & Recreation • Deep River Recreation Center, 1529 Skeet Club Rd, High Point • 336-883-3407
Kernersville Parks and Recreation • Kernersville Community Recreation Center, 125 E Bodenhamer St, Kernersville • 336-996-3039
Lexington Parks & Recreation • Robbins Recreation Center, 512 Hargrave St, Lexington • 336-248-3960
Winston-Salem Parks and Recreation • Miller Park Community Center, 400 Leisure Lane, Winston-Salem • 336-727-2831
Don’t miss this chance to discover the joy of engineering, create lasting memories, and take part in an event that celebrates curiosity and creativity. Whether you’re a budding engineer or just love a good challenge, Bridging the Triad promises excitement, inspiration, and fun for the whole family!
Lexington Parks and Recreation offers athletics, recreational activities, and special events for all ages throughout the year. The department also operates and maintains over 20 parks and facilities, offering a wealth of outdoor fun including playgrounds, walking trails, athletic fields, green spaces, and aquatic parks. These programs and facilities enhance the overall quality of life for citizens of Lexington. Let us help you discover, explore, and connect with the diverse set of programs, events, and parks, that are right here in Lexington! Learn more at www.lexingtonnc.gov/parksandrec, on Facebook www.facebook.com/lexparksandrec, or on Instagram www.instagram.com/lexparksandrec.
