Cherokee Park

Featuring a 2.4-mile circuit loop, Cherokee Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1891. However, the Olmsted Firm remained involved in its development until 1935. Over the 45-year period, they designed an extensive series of woodland trails, catering to the pastoral nature of the landscape. Olmsted maintained several large open spaces within the 400-acre park, stating “all that is needed is the removal of fences and a little judicious use of an axe.” Olmsted advised Park Commissioners to “adopt an ideal suited to the local natural conditions… avoiding roads, walks, buildings, fences, monuments, constructions of any and all kinds, that are not necessary”. [FLO to President of the Park Commission_ 1891-08-26_LOC-OAR-B_01260-im.15] A tornado in 1974 caused considerable damage to Cherokee Park.