In the spirit of shared knowledge and collaboration, the Olmsted Network recently launched a new lecture series, Munch & Learn, to offer our growing network of partners the chance to workshop challenges alongside helpful professionals.
To kick off this enriching series, we welcomed Dan Marriott, associate professor of landscape architecture at Penn State, for a discussion on the significance of historic roadways in Olmsted parks and the ways in which communities are adapting them to meet contemporary needs.
When Central Park in New York City first opened to the public in 1858, newspapers reported that carriage routes were among the most popular attractions. Given the state of most roads during that time, being able to travel at high speeds through beautiful landscapes was a tremendous luxury.
More than a century later, though, in the wake of a global pandemic, communities are rethinking the roads in and around their parks. From changing vehicles and circulation patterns to an increased focus on pedestrian and cyclist safety, new challenges— and solutions— are coming to a head across the country.
Watch the fascinating hour-long discussion above— or on our YouTube channel here.
