May 3, 2022

Celebrating Frederick Law Olmsted

This year is a celebration of parks across the country. 2022 is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frederick Law Olmsted - the American landscape designer widely considered the father of American landscape architecture.

Over the course of his career, Frederick Law Olmsted designed a total of 100 public parks and recreation grounds. Among them, New York City's beloved Central Park. He is also recognized for designing Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York, Emerald Necklace in Boston, Massachusetts, the three-mile approach road to the grand Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, the Washington Park in Chicago, Illinois, and the grounds of the United States Capitol and White House. Frederick Olmsted's work set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire landscape architects throughout the United States. Last week, I attended the Olmsted Bicentennial Gala at the Central Park Loeb Boathouse to honor this great innovator and social reformer. The event was part of the year-long "Olmsted 200: Parks for All People" Celebration. Please go to Olmsted200.org to learn about other celebrations in your area - just click on the highlighted link.

Enjoy these photos.