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synopsis

In 1912 Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. planned and implemented Denver’s Mountain Parks as a part of Denver’s overall park system (see job 05580). John B. Walker promoted the concept of the Mountain Parks for Denver in 1910, urging development of the "most extensive and magnificent system of parks possessed by any city in the world."

In 1912 Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. planned and implemented Denver’s Mountain Parks as a part of Denver’s overall park system (see job 05580). John B. Walker promoted the concept of the Mountain Parks for Denver in 1910, urging development of the "most extensive and magnificent system of parks possessed by any city in the world." Discussing road construction, surveys, and the status of state and federal land the Olmsted Brothers report to the Board of Commissioners included three main aims. Firstly, to provide “a system of first-class roads, giving the public convenient access to the best of the mountain scenery.” Secondly, to offer “the protection of at least the most important parts of the scenery”. Thirdly, to ensure “the opening to the public for general use of sufficient areas.” [Olmsted Brothers to Board of Park Commissioners_1912-07-17_LOC-OAR-B-R261-im.3] A century later it comprises 46 parks and conservation areas in the foothills and Front Range west of Denver. The Olmsted firm worked on various parks within the system as well as the connecting roadways.

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