A Park is a Work of Art
Dear Frederick Law Olmsted,
You once said, "A park is not simply a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city; it is a sanctuary for the human spirit." When you designed the park as part of a contest, you knew you may not see the fruits of your labor, but it would be enjoyed by the generations to come.
Thank you, Frederick for providing me with places to walk and give me a nature fix. I find your spaces like the Bok Tower Gardens in Florida soothing and helped me to heal. But most importantly, I seek your well-designed places out on my journeys. They are my sanctuaries and places where I can people watch, pray, and watch the world go by. Just like so many others do...
I write this letter today to you who was born 201 years ago, but your landscape architecture and designs throughout the United States touch the lives of millions each day. Yes, Frederick each day.
Would you like some of the modern spaces and events that take place today in Central Park or Yosemite or Buffalo? I think you would marvel at the concerts, public theater, zoo, ice rink, and the finish of the NYC Marathon each year in Central Park. But you would be most excited by the daily walkers, picnics on the Great Lawn, and the bird watchers to name a few. And you would feel proud that a section called "Strawberry Fields" exists to pay tribute to a musician and advocate for peace and invites a dweller a place to mourn.
"A park is a place where people from all walks of life can come together and find common ground." Your parks are a place where democracy works and is in action. Every single day.
Thank you, my friend for ensuring we have public open spaces that are accessible.
Love,
Marcie
P.S. Have you visited a Frederick Law Olmsted park or gardens?
Do you want to learn more about Frederick Law Olmsted? Here are some places to learn....