In 1890 Atlanta businessman
Joel Hurt engaged Frederick Law Olmsted,
Sr., to prepare a plan for developing
the area now known as Druid Hills. Olmsted
was recognized as the nation’s preeminent
designer of parks and public open spaces.
His work included Central Park in New
York City, Prospect Park in Brooklyn,
the Emerald Necklace of Boston, the
Biltmore Estate in Asheville and the
nation’s Capitol Grounds. The Olmsted
firm submitted a preliminary plan to
Hurt in 1893 in which the six-segment
Linear Park was first laid out. The
curving stretches of its landmark greenspace
have delighted generations of area residents
and the thousands of people who come
and go along Ponce de Leon Avenue every
day.
Over the years, the
Olmsted Linear Park has remained one
of Atlanta’s most visible parks. Nonstop
usage combined with inadequate maintenance
resulted in its gradual decline. To
recapture the grandeur of this beautiful
and historic park, concerned citizens
launched a grassroots effort more than
a decade ago.
In 1997, the Olmsted
Linear Park Alliance (OLPA) was established
to ensure the rehabilitation and preservation
of the park for future generations.
With support from individuals, foundations
and government agencies, OLPA raised
$9.5 million for the park’s rehabilitation.
Today this historic resource, designed
by Frederick Law Olmsted and his firm,
reflects the quality of peace which
Olmsted sought in his designs.
Plant hundreds of
trees and shrubs, referencing the
Olmsted plan of 1902.
Bury overhead utility
lines, lay stone curbing and erect
historically appropriate lighting
fixtures for the length of the park
along Ponce de Leon and North and
South Ponce de Leon avenues.
Install walkways
and paths to increase access, enhance
vistas and improve drainage.
Build a new playground
for young children in a safer location
in the park.
Correct erosion and
storm water problems throughout the
park and rebuild the stream bed and
catch basin in the Deepdene segment
Improve sidewalks
and crosswalks bordering the park
to comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act, in addition to laying
a new sidewalk along the main Ponce
de Leon side of Deepdene Park
Install signs which
identify each park segment and explain
the historic importance of the park.
At the turn of the century, Olmsted gave an incredible gift to our city, our environment and our quality of life. We hope that every Atlantan who cares about our community will give generously to preserve Olmsted’s vision. Please become a Member, Volunteer, or Contribute today.
After a workday in the Olmsted Linear park, Paideia students and faculty members, Madeleine Soloway and Magnus Edlund, present OLPA President Kirk Elifson with a $5,000 contribution. Many thanks to Paideia School! (click for enlargement)
