Frontline Parks:
Leading examples of urban parks creating economic, environmental and social capital through innovative partnerships

Olmsted Park

Olmsted Park is a tranquil oasis in an urban setting, inviting visitors to gaze at the peaceful waters of the adjacent Muddy River; to sit under tall trees or in sunny patches of open lawn; to stroll, run or bike along gently curving paths and over historic bridges; to observe a surprising variety of birds and other wildlife; and to explore the genius landscape architecture of Frederick Law Olmsted.  Olmsted Park is part of the historic Emerald Necklace, a system of parks and open spaces meandering through Brookline and Boston, designed in 1881 (revised in 1890) by Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr., and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Walk or Pedal Through History

The Brookline portion of Olmsted Park is 12.94 acres and bears the distinction of being the first park on the Brookline side of the Emerald Necklace to undergo a complete historic landscape restoration.  Since its restoration, park users have been able to enjoy a revived landscape with new plantings, enhanced views and easier access, as well as improved upland and riparian habitat.  Olmsted Park includes a watercourse connecting several ponds, six historic pedestrian bridges and attractive walkways and stone walls sheltered from the busy city by densely wooded areas.  Olmsted Park is managed by the Brookline Parks and Open Space Division, sharing stewardship initiatives in a public private partnership with the High Street High Association Friends of Leverett Pond, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy and the Brookline GreenSpace Alliance.

For more information about Olmsted Park, please visit the Emerald Necklace Conservancy at www.emeraldnecklace.org

 

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