The bridge over Big Chico Creek at Manzanita Avenue was originally constructed in 1914. It spanned Bidwell Park at the narrowest point in the entire park. It connected Centennial Avenue with Manzanita Avenue and allowed the crossing of Big Chico Creek from the South bank to the North bank without having to cross Big Chico Creek at Five Mile Dam, remaining completely outside the park. It was the only thoroughfare crossing Bidwell Park up stream from the Cemetery Bridge (Camellia Avenue) until the bridge between Mangrove Avenue and Pine Street was constructed in the 1950s. It was originally known as the "Silk Stocking Bridge", a name which never caught on with the citizens of Chico.