Willow Tunnels for Pierce’s Park

The design of Baltimore’s Pierce’s Park includes two live willow tunnels.

During the summer, Baltimore’s first “live willow tunnel” was construction at Pierce’s Park near Pier 5, between the Columbus Center and Eastern Avenue. October marks the conclusion of its design and restructuring.

The new park, within an easy walk of the National Aquarium and all of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor attractions, was designed by Mahan Rykiel Associates. Bonnie Gale, a national expert in the design and fabrication of willow structures, built the tunnels with help from area residents, including many children.

The site is loosely designed as two open spaces connected by a “ribbon walk.” Homophonic words were inscribed along the serpentine walk for children to discover.

One area appeals to older children, with an unstructured play area that includes landscaped berms, an open green and custom sculpture. The second area is designed for younger children and contains two living willow tunnels, two sculptures and a fence that produces musical sounds when tapped.

The park design is a memorial to local business and community leader. Inspired by his life and legacy,
The family of Pierce John Flanigan III sponsored the creation of the downtown park, and named it in his honor. He was a businessman and patron of the city. The park celebrates his life-long interests in nature, sailing on Chesapeake Bay, music and literature.