Continuing the popular virtual discussion series, Conversations with Olmsted: Challenges and Opportunities For Olmsted Parks captivated an audience with an exploration into the challenges and threats parks and public spaces face today. In the age of the pandemic, our nation’s parks and open green spaces have served as places of healthful recreation and respite – but they are not self-sustaining, and greater use has meant greater demand for care and attention, often with far smaller budgets.
The discussion was moderated by Stephanie Crockatt, executive director of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, a member of the NAOP Olmsted Network, and featured:
– Karen Mauney-Brodek, President of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy. Mauney-Brodek is working to restore and improve the Emerald Necklace’s 1,100 acres. She spearheaded the Conservancy’s 20th Anniversary celebration in 2018 and is currently leading a significant revitalization of Charlesgate Park with neighborhood group Charlesgate Alliance.
– Andy Mitton, Member of the Board of Advisors, Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks. He was part of the Olmsted Legacy Task Force that compiled recommendations for the Superintendent, Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Seattle Board of Park Commissioners. The task force report is called “Rebirth of Olmsted’s Design for Equity.” Mitton is also a Principal in the landscape architecture firm, The Berger Partnership.
– Rosamond Fletcher, Executive Director of Fort Greene Park Conservancy. Fort Greene Park was designed by Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1867 and is one of five Olmsted parks in New York City. Fletcher shapes the Conservancy’s vision and strategic development as park steward. She is focusing on engaging the park’s diverse community, programming the park for a range of users, and planning long-term improvements to the park’s landscape and historic structures.
Please check out these additional resources provided by our featured speakers:
– Olmsted Legacy Task Force 2019 Report
– Charlesgate Revitalization Project
– Planned Demolition of Shattuck Hospital: An Opportunity to Restore Franklin Park
