The Olmsted Network is saddened to share the passing of Ann Satterthwaite, a respected city planner, preservation advocate, and early supporter of the National Association for Olmsted Parks—now the Olmsted Network. Ann passed away on September 20, 2025, at the age of 94.
A longtime Washington, D.C., resident, Ann brought a planner’s eye and a citizen’s passion to the protection of parks and historic landscapes. In 1980, she was among the group of advocates who helped launch the National Association for Olmsted Parks, laying the foundation for a national movement to protect the Olmsted legacy. She also served on the advisory committee for The Papers of Frederick Law Olmsted, helping to preserve and share Olmsted’s writings with future generations.
Ann’s impact was especially felt in Georgetown, where she led a multi-decade campaign to transform the once-industrial Georgetown waterfront into a vibrant public park. Through a series of community coalitions—including the Committee for Washington’s Riverfront Parks and Friends of Georgetown Waterfront Park—she played a central role in the park’s planning, funding, and completion. Today, Georgetown Waterfront Park is part of the National Park System and a living testament to her vision and perseverance.
Beyond her advocacy, Ann was a writer and public intellectual who authored two books on topics close to her heart. She was deeply interested in painting, sculpture, and the arts, and was also an active member of the Appalachian Trail community. She had an extraordinary network of colleagues and friends across the planning and preservation fields, and her voice and leadership were widely respected.
Ann believed in the power of parks to shape healthy, democratic communities—values she shared with Olmsted and advanced throughout her life. We are grateful for her early leadership and lasting contributions to the places and principles we work to protect.
In recognition of Ann’s extraordinary dedication, the Olmsted Network will honor her posthumously with one of our prestigious Caroline Loughlin Volunteer Service Awards at the upcoming 2025 Awards Dinner on Friday, October 24, at First Congregational UCC in Washington, D.C.
