Over 40 locks inscribed with names of couples decorate the bridge behind Woodcreek Athletic Club, 6110 S. Broadway Avenue along the Rose Rudman trails. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

FAITH HARPER, fharper@tylerpaper.com

A red lock is slowly fading on a bridge in Tyler’s trail system.

The red paint is scratched off in spots to reveal a dull silver base, but it has endured rainstorms, the blistering summer and even periodic snow – a reflection of the relationship of the couple that placed it there.

Attached to the lock is a simple leather tag stamped with the initials of Kate and Josh Keenan. It’s as soft and readable it was on an August night two years ago.

If anything, time has made it look better.

“We sat on the bridge for half an hour the nights we’ve gone, contemplating love and relationships and how some of them might fail, even ours,” Mrs. Keenan said. “But, it doesn’t diminish the feeling of the moment.”

The couple is one of over 40 with a lover’s lock on the bridge, which is easily accessible behind Woodcreek Athletic Club, 6110 S. Broadway Avenue.

The tradition is an old one, perhaps best known on the Pont Des Arts bridge in the city of love – Paris.

It includes placing a lock in a public place engraved with initials, dates or sentimental messages. The key is usually thrown away to symbolize the durability of the bond.

Each lock has a story, and like the love they represent, no two are the same.

They are large and small and in a variety of colors – combination and key locks. Some are meticulously etched, while others were casually marked with a Sharpie. A few have charms or keychains attached with anniversary dates.

The trinkets add charm to the trails, said Stephanie Franklin, Tyler’s managing director of culture, recreation and visitor facilities.

“I think it’s created a cute little story associated with Rose Rudman,” she said. “I know a lot of people take pictures at that bridge.”

Paris removed the locks on its Pont Des Arts bridge because of the weight, but Ms. Franklin said Tyler would allow them until they become a problem.

The bridge was built to road specs and can accommodate large vehicles, making the thought to removing them a faraway “what if?”.

Ms. Franklin, however, would prefer that Tylerites change one aspect of the tradition – throwing the key away.

“Perhaps they can take the key with them and hang it at home,” Ms. Franklin said. “Make jewelry with it, or put it on a nail at home with a date on it, so they can always go back and unlock it for a special anniversary or occasion. Maybe we can add to the tradition.”

Twitter: @TMTFaith