Olmsted 200 invites you to join the fourth webinar in our Conversations with Olmsted series. In this series, we examine different aspects of Olmsted’s far-reaching influence on America’s physical landscape and social fabric, exploring how best to continue his legacy of parks for all people.

Parks and public spaces face more challenges and threats than ever before. In some cases, development has nearly destroyed these historic landscapes, altering them with highways, towers, and more. Unfortunately, once open spaces are gone, they’re gone forever. 

In the age of the pandemic, our nation’s parks and open green spaces have served as places of healthful recreation and respite – but they are not self-sustaining, and greater use has meant greater demand for care and attention, often with far smaller budgets. 

This panel discussion will be moderated by Stephanie Crockatt, executive director of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, a member of the NAOP Olmsted Network. The panel will explore the threats and opportunities facing Olmsted parks and how to protect these natural and historic assets for future generations. 

Panelists include:

  • Rosamond Fletcher, Executive Director of Fort Greene Park Conservancy. Fort Greene Park was designed by Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1867 and is one of five Olmsted parks in New York City. Fletcher shapes Fort Greene Park Conservancy’s vision and strategic development of its role as steward of the park. She is centering her efforts on engaging the park’s diverse community, programming the park for a range of users, and planning long-term improvements to the park’s landscape and historic structures.
  • Karen Mauney-Brodek,  President of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy. Mauney-Brodek is working to restore and improve the Emerald Necklace’s 1,100 acres. She spearheaded the Conservancy’s 20th Anniversary celebration in 2018 and is currently leading a significant revitalization of Charlesgate Park with neighborhood group Charlesgate Alliance. 
  • Andy Mitton, Member of the Board of Advisors, Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks. Mitton was part of the Olmsted Legacy Task Force that compiled recommendations for the Superintendent, Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Seattle Board of Park Commissioners. The task force report is called “Rebirth of Olmsted’s Design for Equity.” He is also a Principal in the landscape architecture firm, The Berger Partnership.

Register today to join the conversation.

Share your thoughts and questions about the event using #ConvoswithFLO. Also, don’t forget to follow us and tag us @Olmsted200.
To learn more about the Olmsted 200 bicentennial celebration and find nationwide events honoring the life and legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted, please visit olmsted200.org