Year in Review 2010–2011Saving America’s Great Historic Landscapes

A Message from the Executive DirectorAs the only national organization solely dedicated to the legacy of the Olmsted firm, NAOP’s work is rooted in the Olmsted principles of sustainable design, environmental conservation and a comprehensive design approach. While we seek to create spaces that are beautiful, sustainable and accessible, communities across the country are restoring and protecting their visionary Olmsted designs—a resurgence of interest that speaks to the power and relevance of the Olmsteds’ work.

This past year, the American Planning Association named the Emerald Necklace one of the top Great Places in America for its exceptional character and role in “creating communities of lasting value.” The Boston Society of Landscape Architects recognized Fairsted’s innovative Good Neighbors: Landscape Design and Community Building pro-gram, emphasizing that the future of public parks depends on citizen stewardship and educating residents on how thoughtfully designed parks strengthen communities. Nationwide, park stewards and agencies are recognizing the significance of Olmsted landscapes through substantial investments in their study, restoration and preservation:

• The state of Washington completed planning reports for the Olmsted Brothers-designed grounds of the State Capitol and Northern State Hospital. The Hospital was also listed on the National Register while Seattle’s Volunteer Park became a Designated City Landmark.

• In Washington, DC, the Architect of the Capitol commissioned a comprehensive Cultural Landscape Report for the U.S. Capitol Grounds.

• In Berkeley, CA, the Duncan and McDuffie House was designated a Berkeley city landmark.

• In Asheville, NC, Biltmore Estate is restoring the Olmsted-designed “Approach Road” to the house.

• The Central Park Conservancy completed an award- winning restoration of the 20-acre lake in Central Park, New York, NY.

NAOP provides vital advocacy and technical expertise to support these efforts and raise awareness of the value that Olmsted designed spaces provide to millions of people each day. In addition to launching new websites for NAOP and for the Olmsted Papers, funded in part by grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation,

Dorothea de Schweinitz Fund, and the Hubbard Educational Foundation in Boston, MA, NAOP:

• Secured a major grant and formed a national steering committee of representatives from the Seattle Parks Department, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site, National Park Service, and Friends of Seattle Olmsted Parks to create a GIS-based map and public web portal to link mapping and search technology with archival Olmsted resources.

• Advanced The Papers of Frederick Law Olmsted Project with Volume 8: The Early Boston Years, 1882–1890 being readied for publication and Volume 9: The Last Great Projects, 1890–1895 underway in partnership with Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA.

• Gained five trustees expanding representation of Olmsted conservancies, scholars and regional demographics.

• Hired a Director of Development and Membership, significantly advancing NAOP’s capacity.

As we strive to meet the growing need for information about the Olmsteds’ more than 6,000 designs, the NAOP board and staff are grateful for the appreciation, care and tangible resources given to Olmsted landscapes nation-wide, and for your generous support in helping NAOP fulfill its mission: to advance the principles of the Olmsted firm, and their legacy of irreplaceable parks and landscapes that revitalize communities and enrich people’s lives.

Sincerely,

Iris Gestram Executive Director

Board of Trustees

To read the bios of each member of the Board of Trustees, visit www.olmsted.org.

Jerry Baum, Baltimore, MD Christopher Bayley, Seattle, WA Ethan Carr, Amherst, MADaniel Chartier, Montreal,

Quebec, CanadaJulie Crockford, Boston, MA Philip M. Cuthbertson, Atlanta, GAM. Eliza Davidson, Seattle, WA Sarah Earley, Bloomfield, MI

Bridget Fisher, Denver, CO Erin Chute Gallentine, Brookline, MAKathleen P. Galop , Summit, NJ Esley Hamilton, Clayton, MO Faye B. Harwell, Alexandria, VAWilliam J. Hawkins, Chair, Portland, OR Thomas Herrera-Mishler, Buffalo, NYJohn Karel, St. Louis, MO Caroline Loughlin, Cambridge, MA

Jean McKee, Cheshire, CT Sara Cedar Miller, New York, NYRosemarie Murane, Denver, COChristie Edstrom O’Hara,

San Luis Obispo, CAJohn Price, Pittsburgh, PAJim Rollins, Atlanta, GA Gary Stewart, Charlotte, NCJenny Wyatt, Seattle, WA

Dear Friend, I invite you to read our Year in Review and join me in reflecting on the importance of NAOP’s work. I am grateful to our esteemed members, partners and board of trustees for helping us champion initiatives that have realized the significant accomplishments described within this report. As we continue our mission, NAOP is committed to steward-ship not only of our country’s greenspaces but of our fiscal resources, and I am pleased to report positive end of year assets of nearly $300,000. However, our ambitious course requires your continued support where, for example, we aim to raise $1.4 million by 2015 for the Olmsted Papers Project alone. There is value in every dollar raised and spent as we keep close to our purpose of preserving and advancing the Olmsted legacy.

To those of us who have ever stood in an Olmsted park “meadow”, felt its soul

enriching qualities, and watched it being experienced by the widest variety of city dwellers, there is every belief that these historic parks are some of America’s grandest, most democratic public achievements. These treasures didn’t just happen, and they don’t remain without ongoing effort. It is to their lasting value that NAOP has dedicated itself, becoming the national advocate for the preservation of the Olmsted-designed legacy.

Speaking from Portland, Oregon, a western city where the Olmsted firm gave us our first city-wide parks plan in 1903, I am proud to represent this organization and invite you to help us advocate for this remarkable legacy.

William J. Hawkins, III, FAIA Chair, NAOP

A Message from the Chairman of the Board of Trustees

National Association for Olmsted Parks Year in Review 2010–20114

Research

The Frederick Law Olmsted Papers Project NAOP continues its stewardship of the Papers Project to make readily available, in a 12-volume printed edition and online, the most significant letters, reports, articles, and land-scape plans of Frederick

Law Olmsted (1822–1903), who stands as one of the most accomplished and creative figures in the history of the American Republic. Beginning with the design for Central Park in New York City, Olmsted, his sons and successor firm created designs for thousands of landscapes across North America, including many of the world’s most important parks. To date, NAOP has assisted the Papers in securing more than $1 million in grants and gifts. Volumes 1–7 and Supplementary Series Volume 1 have been published by Johns Hopkins

University Press, the remaining editorial work and pub-lication of the series will be completed by 2015 under the leadership of series editor Dr. Charles E. Beveridge. www.olmstedpapers.org

Olmsted Online GIS-Based Mapping Project and Web Portal—Seattle, WANAOP has secured a $230,000 grant from the State of Washington, under the 2010 Statewide Transportation Enhancements Program, for Olmsted Online—an inte-grated GIS-based mapping project, database and web portal for Olmsted designed landscapes. In partnership with Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site, National Park Service, and the Friends of Seattle Olm-sted Parks, NAOP has begun work to map and inventory Olmsted Brothers-designed parks and parkways to create a statewide GIS database linked with archival and comparative data. It is NAOP’s objective to use this pilot in Washington state as a model for nationwide mapping and inventorying of Olmsted landscapes.

2011 National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference—Buffalo, NYNAOP was invited to present at the National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference, drawing conference attendees’ attention to landscape preservation issues. The Landscape Effect: Quantifying the Value of Parks and Landscape on City Economies session taught attendees about parks’ benefits to cities; approaches to determining economic values contributed by parks and how communities have used findings from studies to enhance their park systems. Another session, Niagara Reservation: The Oldest State Park’s Legacy and Future, included presentations on the history, design, maintenance and preservation of Olmsted-designed Niagara State Park; a panel session with Park staff and representatives from the local tourism, preservation and business community on balancing commercial and tourism demands with historic landscape preservation goals; and a guided walking tour. The conference broke records with over 2,500 preservationists attending.

Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. National Symposium—Washington, DC 2012NAOP has secured the support of The Cultural Land-scape Foundation, American Planning Association, National Building Museum, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and the Stephen and Margaret Gill Family Foundation to co-present a symposium in Washington, DC, on October 19, 2012—to explore the life, work and legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., 20th-century landscape architect, environmental planner and seminal figure in American city planning. The symposium will bring together scholars, practitioners and leading experts nationwide, and will be the most comprehensive presentation to date of the full scope of Olmsted Jr.’s work and leadership. It will be a major contribution toward a fuller understanding of developments in the professions of landscape architecture, urban design and regional planning, and provide historic grounding for local preservation efforts.

Education & Outreach

www.olmsted.org5

Community Advocacy

U.S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D.C.

Washington State Capitol Campus, Olympia, WA (View from the Capitol campus)

AdvocAcy: NAOP supported groups of local citizens,and the Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks to protect one of Washington State’s most significant public vistas from destruction by opposing plans for height rezoning from private development.

AdvocAcy: NAOP participated in a review and advisory capacity in the creation of a Cultural Landscape Report (CLR) for the Olmsted-designed U.S. Capitol Grounds by the Architect of the Capitol. This activity followed several years of NAOP advocacy work on stewardship and preservation of Olmsted’s 1874 design surrounding the Capitol.

outcome: As the Cultural Landscape Report is nearing completion, NAOP plans to work with the Architect of the Capitol to raise awareness and support among the public and Congressional decision-makers to assure restoration and long- term preservation of the U.S. Capitol Grounds.

outcome: NAOP consulted with the local groups, wrote to the state legislature, and testified before the State House to permanently reinstate the 35 foot height limit for the Capitol Lake isthmus and oppose a use change for a high rise building obstructing important Capitol viewsheds.

National Association for Olmsted Parks Year in Review 2010–20116

Community Advocacy continued

AdvocAcy: NAOP partnered with local preservation groups, the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office, and Olmsted scholar Charles E. Beveridge to investi-gate plans by the Chicago Parks District and the Army Corps of Engineers to significantly alter the historic Olmsted-designed Washington Park landscape.

AdvocAcy: NAOP intervened on behalf of Button-wood Park, opposing significant and economically questionable expansion of Buttonwood Park Zoo that would result in the permanent loss of the central cultural landscape elements of the Olmsted, Olmsted and Eliot 1895 design of the Park, as well as in the removal of free and open public access to important community greenspace.

outcome: Parks District and Army Corps conducted a project review and design charrette with local community representatives, landscape preservation architects and Olmsted scholars, resulting in the protection of the Olmsted vision while developing a project design that is more sympathetic to community needs and the historic landscape.

outcome: Advocacy continues. This is an example of the way our NAOP community can help. Funds to support this and other efforts allow NAOP to increase its presence and likelihood of success where decisions are pending and we race time to preserve America’s greatest landscapes. NAOP provides critical research and advocacy assistance to organizations and com-munities across the country who request support.

Chicago, IL

New Bedford, MA

www.olmsted.org7

Financial Report

Total Income

Total Expenses

Net Assets, End of Year $297,281

Statement of Financial Position as of June 30, 2011

Current Assets

Cash and Cash Equivalents $301,030

Deposit $4,350

Total Current Assets $305,380

Property and Equipment at Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization of $25,720 $5,634

Total Assets $311,014

Liabilities and Net Assets

Current Liabilities

Accounts Payable $ 4,802

Accrued Expenses $6,731

Deposit $2,200

Total Current Liabilities $13,733

Net Assets

Unrestricted $283,656

Temporarily Restricted $13,625

Total Net Assets $297,281

Total Liabilities and Net Assets $311,014

Thanks to volunteer time from our board of trustees and network of members, advocacy activities remain a low expense for NAOP but a priority in our time and in-kind resources.

72%Individual Contributions

20%Member Services

2%CorporateContributions

5%Fundraising

11% Foundations

15% Outreach and Education

12%Grants

44%Research and Publication

2%Member Dues

2%Advocacy

1%Sales

14%Administration

8 National Association for Olmsted Parks Year in Review 2010–2011

Thank You, Donors

Gifts of $10,000 and aboveAnonymousAmerican FoundationHubbard Educational FoundationJohn D. and

Catherine T. MacArthur FoundationJean McKeeStephen and Margaret Gill

Family FoundationThe Walbridge Fund

Gifts of $5,000–$9,999Sarah EarleyThe Field Foundation of Illinois, Inc.Friends of FairstedFurthermore: a Program of the

J.M. Kaplan FundNational Trust for Historic PreservationGeorge A. and Victoria Post Ranney

Gifts of $2,000–$4,999Charlton H. and Eleanor G. AmesJerry Arbes and Anne KnightMimi Batchelder-BrownLauren Shuler DonnerThe Felicia FundEsley HamiltonSarah HarbaughCaroline LoughlinPhil and Ellie LoughlinElizabeth Barlow Rogers

Gifts of $1,000–$1,999Chris BaileyJerry BaumTown of BrooklineCentral Park ConservancyJulie CrockfordEliza DavidsonBridget FisherErin Chute GallentineKathleen GalopJane Gill-ShalerFaye HarwellWilliam J. Hawkins IIIGretchen HullJohn KarelSusan KlausSara Cedar MillerRosemarie MuraneJames RollinsThe Seattle FoundationAlida SilvermanGary StewartMary Zervigon

Gifts of $500–$999Buffalo Olmsted Parks ConservancyEthan CarrDaniel ChartierSarah FreemanHeritage LandscapesRichard KellerArleyn and Newt LeveeLauren MeierThomas Herrera-MishlerSusan West MontgomeryKeith N. MorganAlfonso MurayDarwina NealJames OlmstedMichael SullivanTrust for the National Mall

Gifts of $250–$499Marie Bone Alexander GarvinLynden MillerDennis OakesElizabeth PankeNicholas QuennellFrederick Steiner

Gifts of $100–$249Jestena BoughtonFredrica CushmanJo Ann DuplechinDon and Carolyn EtterJulius FabosDonald HarrisLynn HuberEric O’BrienDavid OlmstedTom PaineMarion PressleyDouglas and Katherine RaffJanet SmithBarry StarkeCharles Sullivan

Thomas Wirth Associates, Inc.Noel VernonElizabeth VizzaVictor WalkerElizabeth Watson

Gifts up to $99Joann BeckShari BergPeter BiegelSusan ChaseLeslie Fanelli-PavoneCathy GarrettKenneth HelphandHeidi HohmannLawrence JohannesmanJean Crum JonesChris KarrasKathryn KauhlGary KeslerBrenda LewAnn LundyJudith MajorHugh and Arlene MattisonHugh MillerGlen ModicaEdward MullerMargaret Ann MullinsElyse NewmanTimothy NickersonPauline PerkinsJon PetersonYolita RauscheLaura StarrSpencer TunnellNorma WilliamsArthur Ziegler

Generous in-kind supportFrederick Law Olmsted National

Historic Site, National Park ServiceLibrary of Congress, Manuscript Division University of Virginia

1111 16th Street, NW, Suite 310 Washington, DC 20036 202-223-9113 p 202-223-9112 f

www.olmsted.org

Images courtesy of: Sara Cedar Miller, Central Park Conservancy; Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site, National Park Service; Architect of the Capitol; Anne Knight; Julia Bachrach; Chicago Park District Special Collections; and Lydia King.