About

Founded in 1980, the Olmsted Network— formerly the National Association for Olmsted Parks— became the first and only national organization focused on protecting parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and the Olmsted firm. These places suffered from underappreciation and were in disrepair and decay. To address this issue, we helped foster the emergence of park conservancies, friends groups and citizen volunteers to preserve neighborhood parks. We also created a permanent record of these landscapes thanks to the groundbreaking scholarship of Charles Beveridge, series editor of The Frederick Law Olmsted Papers.

Over the last 40 years, we have raised awareness through educational outreach and engaged in rapid-response advocacy across the country. Our thoughtful campaigns convinced the U.S. Postal Service to produce an Olmsted stamp (1999) and the National Park Service to establish Fairsted as the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site (1979). Read more about our history!

In 2020, we took on a new role as managing partner of Olmsted’s bicentennial celebration— Olmsted 200: Parks for All People. In this position, we partnered with nine other national organizations to celebrate Olmsted’s living legacy and mark his 200th birthday in 2022. We joined with policy makers, public health professionals, community leaders and advocates to explore the many ways in which Olmsted’s values are relevant to 21st century America.

Today, our organization is tackling an ambitious five-year strategic plan. We’ve adopted a new name and tagline, and we’ve updated our mission and vision statements. We look forward to continuing to grow our network of partners, provide educational resources and respond to threats against Olmsted parks and places.

Mission Statement: Championing Olmsted parks, places and principles through advocacy, education and stewardship.

Vision: A world where communities are enriched by healthy, safe and inclusive green spaces inspired by the thoughtful advancement of Olmsted work and principles.

Values: Beautiful, safe and well-maintained parks and landscapes; stewardship informed by education and scholarship; community building and engagement; public and ecological health; collaborative and comprehensive planning; and accessible spaces welcoming to all people. We oppose privatization of public space.