Esplanade Association Transforms Dead Tree into Whimsical Work of Art

The following is an edited release that was sent in by Christopher Timmel of The Esplanade Association: 

Work is now complete on the new sculpture and landscape project at the Esplanade’s Stoneman Playground, the site of the first project completed by The Esplanade Association eleven years ago near the intersection of Hereford Street and Storrow Drive.

Though the sculpture and refurbished surrounding landscape are complete and open for use, The Esplanade Association plans to hold an official ribbon cutting ceremony in the upcoming spring.

Mitch Ryerson was commissioned this past spring to transform a dead oak tree into a whimsical sculpture that is not only an attractive art piece, but also a practical resource for park users.

Ryerson, who is also the creator of the custom bench and wooden climbing structure at the new Esplanade Playspace, created a playful structure that includes a window looking out towards the river, a canopy made of rustic branches for a source of shade for those sitting on the bench below, and is topped with sculpted figures of birds admiring the playground users below.

The Esplanade Association would like to thank the Stoneman Family Foundation for their support during the planning and implementation of this project, as well as the many families and individuals who supported the creation of the Stoneman playground 11 years ago.  In addition, The Esplanade Association would like to thank the Department of Conservation and Recreation for the special attention they provided to help transform the tree and to refresh the landscape around the sculpture.