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.