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synopsis

The Olmsted Brothers were initially contacted by the Portland Park Association in 1898 about making “future provisions” to the present park system. In 1903 John Charles Olmsted was able to arrange a visit in coordination with his west coast circuit including Los Angeles and Seattle (02690). He visited Portland for two weeks and then took the train north to Seattle

The Olmsted Brothers were initially contacted by the Portland Park Association in 1898 about making “future provisions” to the present park system. In 1903 John Charles Olmsted was able to arrange a visit in coordination with his west coast circuit including Los Angeles and Seattle (02690). He visited Portland for two weeks and then took the train north to Seattle where he wrote the report for the Portland Park System while studying the Seattle system opportunities. The report provides an excellent description of the important components of a park system from small squares to large scenic reservations. Summarizing the plan for the city, his report described that “West of the Willamette River and south of Riverview Cemetery there would be a large forest reservation, from which an informal picturesque parkway would pass east of Riverview Cemetery...It would keep along the hillsides to a connection with the City Squares...East of the River, if railroad ownership...does not prevent, there would be a river bluff parkway...”. [Report of the Park Board Appendix_Olmsted Brothers_1903-12-31_[LOC-OAR-B_02640-im.40] As the city experienced an increase in population there were delays in the implementation of Olmsted plans. However, significant advancements were made post-1908 under the direction of Park Superintendent Emanuel Tillman Mische who had trained at the Olmsted firm.

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