This project was to provide planning and design services for a park and trail in Dundalk, MD. The goal of this project was to provide a unique connection between Dundalk and Baltimore City as well as to celebrate Dundalk’s ship building (Liberty Ship) and steel making industrial past. The trail will be multi-modal, for the use of motorists, pedestrians as well as hikers and bikers. A ship-like structure along the Heritage Trail was the community’s choice as a symbol of the shipbuilding and steel making heritage.The hiker-biker trail will extend south into St. Helena Park, and pedestrian bridges will be constructed across the existing stream.

PELA worked closely with County representatives and the community in developing this unique concept. Three representative features were chosen to depict a ship: The Bow, the Midship and the Stern. The intent is not to build a historically correct Liberty Ship, but rather a structure that suggests a ship, with historic references, and that provides spaces for programmed and unprogrammed recreation activities.

PELA designed the Ship Stern in a trellis form constructed of steeI I-beams, to serve as the gateway to the park, located on an entrance plaza with water features. An “interactive theme play area” is proposed between the Stern and Midship, where artifacts from the old steel mill will be displayed to recall Dundalk’s heritage and provide safe play experiences for children.  Prior to the Midship a pedestrian bridge is proposed over an existing wetland to minimize environmental impacts. The Midship will include a wheelhouse with a ships wheel, maps and instruments, as well as a small office and restrooms. The Ship’s Bow will feature offices, a large meeting room, a café with an outdoor eating area, an upper deck for viewing the waterfront and harbor, and a lower deck and bandstand for festivals, concerts, and community events.