Rushcliffe Borough Council said the feature had died following another dry summer and become brittle and unsafe, but confirmed it plans to work with the Friends of Bridgford Park on a replacement this autumn.
Residents questioned the decision to remove the willow tunnel.
They said the willow had previously been cut back rather than woven into the structure and believed new willow plants could have been planted between the existing stems to restore the feature.
One resident added: “I understand it has been removed for safety reasons, but it did not seem particularly dangerous.
“In recent years, the park has been cut back considerably, with many of the smaller hiding places used by children removed and areas opened up. I would prefer the park to retain a more natural character rather than becoming too manicured.”
A Rushcliffe Borough Council spokesperson said: “The much-loved willow tunnel designed, planted and maintained by the Friends of Bridgford Park, will be replaced in due course as after another dry summer the willow had died and added to some elements of vandalism, the feature was unsafe.
“Teams working on it found numerous sharp edges that could have endangered children and others and when removed the structure was pushed over without the need for any tools, highlighting how brittle and unsafe it was. It was necessary then to take action ahead of the Lark in the Park event which attracts thousands of families and children.
“We know how much park goers loved the willow tunnel which is why we will be working with the Friends of Bridgford Park on a suitable replacement in the autumn.”
