You might not think of airports as recreation destinations, but BWI Airport was the first major airport in the nation to have a dedicated public trail — and now, its new playground is open. See photos of the new addition.
Part of the BWI Trail network — the Thomas A. Dixon Jr. Aircraft Observation Area had old playground equipment removed in 2015. The new playground area is now open.
(Courtesy BWI Marshall Airport)
Courtesy BWI Marshall Airport
Zagster bike share is available at BWI Airport right outside the International Terminal, adjacent to the Light Rail station.
(Courtesy BWI Marshall Airport)
Courtesy BWI Marshall Airport
The playground area of the Thomas A. Dixon Jr. Aircraft Observation Area has plenty of parking and great views of arriving and department aircraft at BWI Airport.
(Courtesy BWI Marshall Airport)
Courtesy BWI Marshall Airport
The indoor Observation Gallery at BWI Airport features a children’s play area, exhibits on aviation and Maryland aviation history. It also has great views of the airfield.
(Courtesy BWI Marshall Airport)
Courtesy BWI Marshall Airport
Fliers can observe airline operations from the indoor BWI Observation Gallery.
(Courtesy BWI Marshall Airport)
Courtesy BWI Marshall Airport
You can learn about airplanes and aviation history at the BWI Observation Gallery. It is located on the upper level of the airport between Concourses B and C before the security checkpoint.
(Courtesy BWI Marshall Airport)
BALTIMORE — You might not think of airports as recreation destinations, but BWI Marshall Airport was the first major airport in the nation to have a dedicated public trail — and now, its new playground is open.
The playground is in the Thomas A. Dixon Jr. Aircraft Observation Area that’s just off one of the airport’s main runways.
On Dorsey Road on the south end of the airport, the observation area has more than 75 parking spaces and is part of the BWI Trail network which is a 12.5 mile nature trail that circles the airport.
Members of the community and fliers can use the trail and visit the observation area.
“It’s actually on the other side of the airfield from the terminal. So, it’s a little distance but not far,” said BWI Airport spokesman Jonathan Dean.
“BWI offers a bike share program here — right at the terminal. Customers, travelers or local residents can come and rent bicycles to use on the BWI Trail,” Dean said.
The trail goes through lots of different environments.
“It has a little bit of everything. We have trees and meadows and, of course, wetlands as well,” Dean said.
For fliers feeling a little less adventurous, there’s a play area inside the airport that includes displays on aviation history. The indoor Observation Gallery is on the airport’s upper level between Concourses B and C before the security checkpoint.
Kristi King is a veteran reporter who has been working in the WTOP newsroom since 1990. She covers everything from breaking news to consumer concerns and the latest medical developments.
