Description
The Olmsted Linear Park in Druid Hills reflect a remarkable twenty-year collaboration dedicated to the historic rehabilitation of Frederick Law Olmsted’s original landscape design. Guided by the 1997 Masterplan, this project spanned six phases of construction, revitalizing over 50 acres of green space while honoring the legacy of one of America’s greatest landscape architects.
Each phase focused on rehabilitating the park’s pastoral beauty, characterized by rolling landscape, tree framed vistas, and engaging paths. Native plantings and careful attention to historic design details ensured alignment with the Olmsted firm’s original vision. Modern environmental challenges were addressed with innovative solutions, including the installation of a raingarden in Springdale Park to protect the playground from road system runoff.
Community leaders played a vital role in championing this project, advocating for the preservation of Olmsted’s design and its integration into the urban fabric of Druid Hills. Their efforts ensured the park remains both true to the original design intent and accessible to the public, providing spaces for recreation, reflection, and connection with nature.
Services
Full range of services including community engagement, stakeholders meetings, production of permit and construction documents, inspections during construction, and follow up consultations to address management and maintenance challenges.
Highlights
- Implementation of the 1997 Masterplan across six phases
- Historic rehabilitation of open spaces, pathways, and native plantings
- Addition of a reingarden in Springdale Park to manage stormwater runoff
- Collaboration with community leaders to preserve Olmsted’s vision
Results/Impact
The Olmsted Linear Park has been transformed into vibrant, historically rich green spaces that honor their original design while meeting the needs of today’s community. These parks now serve as a cherished urban refuge, blending history, ecology, and public engagement for generations to come.
Awards
- ASLA Tri-State Merit Award for General Design April 2014
- ASLA Tri-State Award For Excellence Rehabilitation April 2014
- Atlanta Urban Design Commission Award for Excellence Preservation June 2014
- Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Marguerite Williams Award Historic Preservation April 2014 for excellence in historic preservation
