The original structure, designed by Theodore Zoli, became known as a boondoggle due to various problems with its construction, including too much bounce and deterioration of its timbers.

[3] Built from black locust timber supported by galvanized steel cables and mounted on concrete pillars,[2] it was meant to have some degree of bounce when people walked across, based on catwalks found in state parks.

Despite the wood being "extremely rot-resistant",[2] testing later discovered that "higher than expected moisture levels" compromised its condition and quality.

[1] The original bridge was almost entirely demolished in October 2019, with the exception of the concrete support structures, which were retained for use in its rebuilding.

[11][10] Mary Frost of The Brownstoner called the original Squibb Park Bridge a "crowd-pleasing but ultimately dysfunctional structure".