Washington County Parks & Recreation has announced the loss of the historic 200-year-old Chinkapin Oak Tree at Woodland Way Park in Hagerstown, MD due to storm damage over Easter weekend, with plans underway to safely remove and potentially repurpose parts of the tree.
Per Washington County Parks & Recreation: “This notable tree stood at 84 feet tall with a circumference of 14 feet 6 inches and was recognized on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources – Maryland Big Tree Program. Estimated to be over 200 years old, the Chinkapin Oak was not only a local landmark but also a symbol of strength and longevity in our community.
“The loss of this iconic tree is deeply felt,” said Andrew Eshleman, Director of Public Works, “as it stood as a living piece of our natural history and a source of pride for the county.”
Washington County crews are currently working to safely remove the damaged parts of the fallen tree. The County is also considering options to salvage remaining portions to repurpose for other uses, ensuring that the tree’s legacy will live on in a meaningful way.
We thank the public for their patience and understanding during this process. Due to the size and historical significance of the tree, its removal and repurposing may take some time as careful consideration is given to its next chapter. For additional information, please contact the Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380 or [email protected]