Dayton Parks

An outline and report for a System of Parks and Parkways in Dayton Ohio was produced by The Olmsted Brothers in 1911. Having been in communication with the Dayton Improvement Association for several years beforehand and previously hired by Daytonian John Patterson in 1907 to design Hills & Dales Park (03121), the Olmsted Firm worked to develop a connective park system for the growing city (see plan 03280-15). They proposed “that a public square and civic center be created in connection with the new post-office and that a public square be laid out at the railroad station and that these two squares be connected by a series of smaller public squares.” [The Olmsted Brothers to J. Sprigg McMahon_ 1911-04-12_LOC-OAR-B_03280-im.81] The report also suggested the creation of several public playgrounds and small landscape parks.