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synopsis

The town of New Britain received the reservoir land and access roads in 1857 at no cost from the Walnut Hill Park Company. In 1868 the company proposed to sell 36 acres of land to the town if it procurred the additional 40 acres to the west and southwest of Walnut Hill, as recommended by Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. during his visit in 1867. Olmsted was then requested to return to plan the new park.

The town of New Britain received the reservoir land and access roads in 1857 at no cost from the Walnut Hill Park Company. In 1868 the company proposed to sell 36 acres of land to the town if it procurred the additional 40 acres to the west and southwest of Walnut Hill, as recommended by Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. during his visit in 1867. Olmsted was then requested to return to plan the new park. Olmsted & Vaux & Co. prepared the plan for the park in 1870 and much of the design can still be found today particularly in the layout of the curving roads and focal point of the orginal reservoir which has since been filled.

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