he Sandy Creek covered bridge carried traffic on Oregon Highway 42 until it was bypassed in 1949. The 60-foot span was considered short in comparison to other covered bridges built on Oregon highways. The bridge is strengthened by two crossed Howe truss members on each chord, a rarity in short covered bridges. An additional aspect of the bridge is the use of large-framed windows on both sides of the structure, maximizing the illumination of the bridge interior. In late 1981, a plan was developed to make a park at the bridge and use the old wooden structure as a covered picnic site. The Myrtle Point Lions Club adopted the bridge as a major project. Work at the site began in 1982 and included a new roof, replacing boards and structural pieces, clearing brush and applying a coat of white paint. The park was dedicated in 1984 and now includes a tourist information center at the bridge site.