Category: Parks & Public Spaces

Personal Reflections
A Visit to Olmsted’s Hometown
Come along as Mark Roessler visits Hartford— Connecticut’s capital city and Olmsted’s birthplace— with historian Jana Colacino.

Field Notes
Olmsted’s First Walk in a Public Park
Nearly 175 years ago, Frederick Law Olmsted’s passion for parks as democratic spaces was ignited by a trip to Birkenhead Park in England.

Conferences & Events
Recap: Pop-Up Atlanta
The Olmsted Network’s recent trip to Atlanta, GA, from April 4-6, 2025, included tours of the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail, Druid Hills, Olmsted Linear Park, Grant Park, Piedmont Park and more.

Field Notes
Revitalizing Portland’s Olmsted Parks
In this Q&A, Suzanne Bishop explains how a passionate group of advocates are pushing for a new parks funding model in Oregon’s largest city.

Field Notes
New Research Grant Opportunity: Call for Entries
The 2025 Charles E. Beveridge Research Grant supports research and projects highlighting the Olmsted firm’s legacy utilizing the Olmsted Archives at Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site.

Conservation & Advocacy
Olmsted’s Legacy at the Capitol Lives On
The Olmsted Network’s guide to the U.S. Capitol Grounds makes its way to Congress just in time for the upcoming presidential inauguration.

Field Notes
A waterfall flows again in Harlem
The restoration of a cherished cascade in New York City’s Morningside Park unites city officials, neighbors and Columbia University staff and students.

Field Notes
Olmsted 101: A Class for Adult Learners
In October 2024, the Olmsted Network hosted a six-week course on the work of Frederick Law Olmsted and the Olmsted firm for older adult learners through Osher Online.

Field Notes
New Land Acquired for Olmsted-Beil House Park
After years of advocacy by Friends of Olmsted-Beil House and the Olmsted Network, the acquisition of an adjacent property restores a portion of Olmsted’s Tosomock Farm, protects against development and more.

Field Notes
Olmsted Linear Park playground gets a new look
In Atlanta, GA, Springdale Park receives playground and stormwater improvements.

Field Notes
Students plant roots in Newburgh, NY’s Downing Park
Made for the Olmsted Network’s 2024 Annual Conference, a video by Timeline Productions celebrates the partnership between the local garden club and sophomores at Newburgh Free Academy-West.

Field Notes
A Farewell to Anderson Park’s Olmsted Oak
In a violent storm, Anderson Park in New Jersey lost its elder statesman— a giant white oak that had been there since before the park opened.

Conservation & Advocacy
Olmsted Network members help delay White Stadium demolition
Thank you! You heard our calls for help and answered with letters to the Boston Parks Commission.

Field Notes
Tornado briefly interrupts progress in Chickasaw Park
As Louisville’s Chickasaw Park recovers from a recent tornado, pledged funding for capital improvements and educational signage soften the blow.

Conservation & Advocacy
Olmsted’s treasured Emerald Necklace under siege
From the ongoing White Stadium litigation to plans for a high rise in Longwood, Boston’s linear park is seriously threatened.