California State Park System

Hired by the State Park Commission, Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. produced the California State Park Survey in 1928. The report was born out of the State Park Bond Act of 1928, which granted funding for the procurement of new parks. Initially identifying 125 potential state parks throughout California, he was called to enhance his survey in 1945. An increased interest in recreation post-war, coupled with population growth, pressured the Governor to prioritize the development of the state park system. When determining sites for his survey, Olmsted Jr. focused primarily on preserving scenic landscapes, such as the California Redwoods, and ensuring public access rather than prioritizing recreation.

The Olmsted Archives plans show a series of color-coded topographical maps detailing the districts Olmsted Jr. evaluated in California.

Please note there are 41 folders in the Western Office Correspondence collection at the Olmsted Archives, dating from 1917-1958.