The Development of American City Parks: From Downing to Olmstead

In the 1840s, Andrew Jackson Downing became one of the main proponents for the development of park systems in American cities.  In his periodical, The Horticulturist, Downing pushed for the creation of a large park in New York City that would provide for the “exercise and refreshment of her jaded citizens,” and would contain, among other things, water works and walks set within green fields.  Downing proposed to use the concept of the Picturesque to construct a beautiful setting in the middle of the city for the benefit of all of its citizens.

After Downing’s untimely death in 1852, his partner, Calvert Vaux, and Frederick Law Olmstead submitted the winning design bid for the development of Central Park in New York City and Olmstead went on to form his own landscape design firm. With the assistance of his two sons, Olmstead created the premier landscape design firm in the country and that firm designed the first American city park systems and set the template for park systems design for decades to come.

In this presentation, Eric Metzger will demonstrate Downing’s influence on the development of park systems in America and on Olmstead’s adoption of the Picturesque in what would become America’s great city parks

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us Tuesday, February 22 from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. at Brakeman's Burgers.

This month's presenter is Eric C. Metzger, Executive Director of the McAllister House Museum.  Mr. Metzger grew up in Littleton, CO and has spent much of his life along the Front Range, preserving and interpreting cultural resources in both non-profit and for-profit organizations.  He holds a bachelor's degree in anthropology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a master's degree in museum administration from Harvard University.

Please register no later than Monday, February 21st.

Contact:  [email protected]

Cost: There is no cost to chapter members.  Members are encouraged to send some one in their place if they cannot attend.  $20.00 for nonmembers.

Tickets

$0.00 Member Ticket

$20.00 Non-Member Ticket

$0.00 First-Time Guest

$150.00 Tabletop Sponsor