Olmsted 200

Frederick Law Olmsted is considered the father of American landscape architecture. He understood that widespread access to nature through calculated landscapes would benefit and improve society. He was directed by the principle that public spaces should be reachable and inclusive. Olmsted’s vision is evident in Passaic County through the work of his sons Frederick Jr. and John of the Olmsted Brothers Firm.

Who was FLO?

In 1927, the County of Passaic established the Passaic County Park Commission, a commission that was authorized by voters. The purpose of the commission was to design a comprehensive park system. The following were named to the inaugural commission and all members served without pay: Robert Benson (President), Garret A. Hobart Jr. (Vice President), Louis Hinchliffe (Treasurer), LeGrand Parish, and Florence Halsey.

History of the Passaic County Park Commission

People of the Passaic County Park Commission

Places of the Passaic County Park Commission

Passaic County will host a contest for amateur photographers featuring the beauty and joy found in your county parks.

Contest runs from April 26th through June 30th 

For Ages 18+

Winners will be announced at our Olmsted themed picnic on July 31^st.

The top 10 winners will have their photographs featured at the Passaic County Arts Center in Fall 2022.

Enter Contest!

Open Space Master Plan presents recommendations for the improvement of the Passaic County Park System, and a vision for its future. The plan includes detailed information on the county-owned park, recreation,
and open spaces.

It presents technical findings and is based on the knowledge gained through public meetings and comment as well as interviews with community officials.

This comprehensive plan provides the foundation for the management, maintenance, improvement, and expansion strategies described in the Passaic County Park System Strategic Plan.

Read Master Plan

Find out more about Frederick Law Olmsted, the Passaic County Parks Commission, and the people and places included in our celebration! The County of Passaic is proud to participate in the Olmsted 200 celebration. 

History of Passaic County Park Commission

The Seven S’s: Olmsted and His Design Theory

Visit Olmsted200.org

Our Olmsted Events