Olmsted Parks in Passaic County
Who was Frederick Law Olmsted?
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.
Passaic County Park Commission
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
Olmsted 200 Picnic
Passaic County will host a picnic on Sunday, July 31st at the Boathouse on Garret Mountain to celebrate both Frederick Law Olmsted and the anniversary of the opening of Garret Mountain in 1931!
Check out our schedule for that day!
County Park Master Plan
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.
Learn With Us
The County of Passaic is proud to participate in the Olmsted 200 celebration!
Find out more about Frederick Law Olmsted, the Passaic County Park Commission, and the events we have planned as part of this celebration in the links below:
History of Passaic County Park Commission
The Seven S’s: Olmsted and His Design Theory
