The Bridge to the Beach at Chambers Bay golf course is a part of a global tradition. From Paris to Prague, lovers across the world keep snapping locks on bridges to signify their eternal love. The trend started organically in Chambers Bay. Couples, friends, and family members began clipping padlocks to the bridge three years ago.

While the tradition is a great tourist attraction, it can be harmful to the architectural integrity of the bridge. Park officials are worried that the weight of the locks will make cables sag, becoming a safety hazard.

“Our concern continues to be the long term effects the locks may have on the railing system which was not designed for the additional weight of thousands of locks,” said Tony Tipton, the director of Chambers Bay.

However, park directors continue to support the social movement. Directors are looking for a plan that balances the safety, and the desire of the public to continue putting locks on the bridge.

“We are looking at solutions that minimize the risks to the railing and long term impacts to the bridge while still allowing the community to celebrate,” said Tipton. “Failure of the railing is an unacceptable safety risk and something that local building codes do not permit.”

The search for a solution is complicated even more by vandals pulling out the cables and stealing locks. Furthermore, there is concern that the locks will eventually rust, creating an eyesore out of the newly built bridge.

While no progress has been made to find a solution, the park directors ensure that the public will be made aware when a solution as been chosen.

“We plan on placing signage on the bridge which establishes clear expectations on what is allowed.” said Tipton.

So for now, love locks are allowed to placed on the bridge and the global tradition can continue here, in our backyard.