Olmsted Portland Park Plan Overview and Features

The Olmsted Portland Park Plan is a comprehensive design for the city's parks system, created by the renowned landscape architecture firm of Frederick Law Olmsted and Sons in the early 20th century.

The plan aimed to create a cohesive network of parks and green spaces that would provide recreation, relaxation, and scenic beauty for the city's residents.

One of the key features of the Olmsted Portland Park Plan was the creation of a series of parkways that would connect the city's parks and green spaces, allowing residents to easily access and enjoy the outdoors.

The plan also included the development of several large parks, including Forest Park, which would become one of the largest urban forests in the United States.

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In designing parks, Olmsted's approach emphasizes the importance of preserving natural environments.

A key principle is to preserve existing woods, which can be done by setting aside strips of land of varying widths.

Olmsted's definition of a "parkway" highlights the value of informal, pleasure-driven spaces that allow for scenic walking and exploration.

A parkway, according to Olmsted, can be as narrow as a strip of land with walks and planted areas, or as wide as a formal drive with uniform planting strips.

Formal planting strips, characteristic of a "boulevard", are typically uniform in width and require regular maintenance to maintain their appearance.

Defining three purposes in advance helps to create a clear vision for your park design. This is crucial for ensuring that every element, from the playground equipment to the landscaping, serves a specific function and contributes to the overall experience.

A good starting point is to identify the primary purpose of your park. Will it be a place for recreation, relaxation, or education? For example, a park designed for recreation might include a large open space for sports and games, while a park focused on relaxation might feature quiet seating areas and walking paths.

Consider the secondary purpose of your park. This could be a complementary function that supports the primary purpose. For instance, a park with a playground might also serve as a community hub for parents to socialize while their children play.

Lastly, think about any additional purposes your park might serve. This could be a unique feature that sets your park apart from others. A park with a community garden, for example, might also provide a space for educational workshops and events.

The city of Portland is fortunate to have varied and strong landscape features that can be utilized in its park system. The Willamette River itself is a notable landscape feature that is conveniently accessible to the greater part of the population.

From almost all parts of the city that are fairly open and from all the high hills, extremely beautiful views are commanded of the distant snow-clad mountains. The five great snow-clad peaks, including Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Hood, Mount Rainier, and Mount Jefferson, are particularly notable.

The city's hills and canyons, such as the series of great hills south and southwest of the western section of the city, offer great opportunities for park development. Mount Tabor, east of the eastern section of the city, and Rocky Butte, northeast of the eastern section of the city, are also notable landscape features.

The Columbia Sloughs and the river itself offer beautiful views and scenery, making them ideal locations for parks and parkways. In fact, the city's public parks and parkways span about 12,500 acres, with much of its acquisitions and development guided by the 1903 plan by the Olmsted Brothers firm.

The city's park system should take advantage of its natural landscape features, such as the river, hills, and canyons, to provide beautiful views and recreational opportunities. The river itself is a notable feature, but unfortunately, the requirements of commerce prevent a significant area from being set aside for park purposes.

One of the most desirable locations for a park is between the Morrison-street bridge and the Burnside-street bridge, where a riverfront square could be created. This would provide a valuable pleasure ground for the large poor population that congregates in the lower parts of the city.

A little reservoir park would be a great addition to the system, connecting to the reservoir grounds and Governor's Park. This would not only provide a beautiful view but also a convenient and agreeable short-cut to and from residences.

The park system should also include a formal flower garden, which would be interesting and appropriate for the neighborhood. This garden could be enclosed by a border of evergreen shrubbery and include a considerable proportion of turf, making it relatively inexpensive to maintain.

Some of the notable landscape features within convenient reach of the present population include the series of great hills, with intervening canyons, south and southwest of the western section of the city; Mount Tabor, east of the eastern section of the city; and Rocky Butte, northeast of the eastern section of the city. From almost all parts of the city that are fairly open and from all the high hills, extremely beautiful views are commanded of the distant snow-clad mountains, especially of the five great snow-clad peaks: Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Hood, Mount Rainier, and Mount Jefferson.

Some of the notable landscape features within convenient reach of the present population include the series of great hills, with intervening canyons, south and southwest of the western section of the city; Mount Tabor, east of the eastern section of the city; and Rocky Butte, northeast of the eastern section of the city.

Here are some of the notable landscape features to consider for the park system:

The Upper River Bluff offers a picturesque parkway opportunity. A drive can be laid out along the top of the bluff from the south end of Grand avenue to Sellwood.

The principal difficulty is that a new railroad company has acquired much of the land needed for this parkway. Land values have also risen high, making it challenging to secure the necessary land.

A considerable stretch of the crest of the bluff is occupied by Milwaukie avenue and an electric street railway, which would need to be moved back to enable the pleasure drive to be laid out where the street now is.

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The crematory has been built so close to the bluff that there is no room for a pleasure drive, unless it can be moved. The drive would have to pass back of it.

From the last mentioned place to Sellwood, there are no physical difficulties, but most of the land is owned by the new railroad. A bridge across the river would eventually become a public necessity, connecting the southern hillside parkway and the Sellwood parkway at a point between the village of Fulton and the north end of Riverview cemetery.

Little Reservoir is a proposed local park at the southwestern end of the Park Squares. This area currently terminates abruptly against private property.

It would be very desirable for the city to acquire a few acres of land for this park, as it would provide a pleasing vista when looking southwest through Park street and West Park street.

A pleasure ground with picturesque plantations would be a great addition to the area, allowing the eye to rest upon something beautiful rather than private buildings.

Some handsome terminus to the long row of formal squares is also needed for matters of dignity and propriety.

This pleasure ground should connect with the reservoir grounds, and if possible, be extended up the ravine in which the reservoir is located, to a connection with Governor's Park.

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The city's landscape features are a key consideration in park design. The river itself is a notable feature, but unfortunately, it's not accessible for park purposes until Ross Island above the city and Swan Island below the city due to commercial requirements.

The city is fortunate to have varied and interesting landscape features, including a series of great hills, intervening canyons, Mount Tabor, Rocky Butte, and the sloughs of the Columbia River. From many parts of the city, beautiful views are commanded of the distant snow-clad mountains, including Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Hood, Mount Rainier, and Mount Jefferson.

A comprehensive system of parks and parkways is essential for making the city more beautiful and agreeable to live in and work in. This is a duty that every inhabitant of the city owes to it in return for benefits and advantages derived from it.

Riverfront squares are a great idea, and the city should acquire a block or half block on each side of the river, near the center of the city. This would become a valuable pleasure ground, particularly for the large poor population that congregates in the lower and most densely populated parts of the city.

A little reservoir park would be very desirable at the southwestern end of the row of Park Squares, connecting with the reservoir grounds and Governor's Park. This would provide a picturesque view and a convenient path for residents.

A neighborhood park or large square should be located with due regard to a suitable general distribution of parks, in convenient proximity to Irvington. This would enhance the value of Governor's Park to the public.

Holiday parks in Portland, Oregon have some unique features worth noting. The fir trees in Holladay Park have been trimmed to a uniform height, creating an unappealing and monotonous effect.

A radical thinning out of the fir trees would help remedy this issue. This would allow for the planting of deciduous and broad-leaved trees, such as the evergreen magnolia, which is a great choice for the area.

The evergreen magnolia is a good option because it can be planted at a small size and will grow to be a beautiful addition to the park. It's a shame it hasn't been used more in the city.

A formal flower garden might be a great addition to the park, especially considering the character of the neighborhood. This type of garden would be interesting and appropriate, and could include a considerable proportion of turf to keep costs low.

If the garden is enclosed by a border of evergreen shrubbery, it would be even more effective. The garden could be placed in the center of the square, or in one half of the park, depending on the desired balance of space for different activities.

The Olmsted Portland park plan aimed to create a comprehensive system of parks and parkways to make the city more beautiful and attractive to residents and visitors alike. The plan included two key parkway projects: the Lower River Bluff Parkway and the Upper River Bluff Parkway.

The Lower River Bluff Parkway would run along the east side of the river, from Cook's subdivision to the Portland University, and would provide a picturesque pleasure drive and walks for residents of the city. A considerable portion of the bluff was already occupied by Willamette boulevard, but the plan aimed to secure land between the boulevard and the river to preserve the views and trees.

The Upper River Bluff Parkway, also known as the Sellwood Parkway, would run from the south end of Grand avenue to Sellwood, but its construction would require the consent of a new railroad company that had acquired much of the land needed for the parkway. The railroad had damaged the bluff and would detract from the value of the parkway.

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The Northwest Hillside Road, also known as the Upper River Bluff Parkway, is a proposed parkway that would run along the top of the bluff from the south end of Grand Avenue to Sellwood.

This parkway would be a picturesque alternative to the existing roads in the area, but it faces several challenges. A new railroad company has acquired much of the land needed for the parkway, making it difficult to construct without their consent.

The construction of this railroad has already caused damage to the bluff and its proximity to the proposed parkway would detract from its value. The railroad has also injured the views in the area, particularly where it has been run over the low meadows and flats between the bluff and the river south of Holgate Street.

Milwaukie Avenue and an electric street railway currently occupy a considerable stretch of the crest of the bluff, making it necessary to move them far enough back to enable the pleasure drive to be laid out where the street now is.

A crematory has been built close to the bluff, leaving no room for a pleasure drive unless it can be moved.

The River Bluff Parkway is a scenic drive that offers breathtaking views of the city and the river. It's a must-visit attraction for locals and tourists alike.

The parkway runs along the east side of the river, where the bluffs are still covered with original forest growths, making it a picturesque pleasure drive. The drive can be laid out along the top of the bluff, from Cook's subdivision to the Portland University, and further if desired.

One of the most important portions of the parkway is from Cook's Addition to a junction with the Willamette boulevard. This section can either follow the edge of the level land around the ravines or span them by bridges. The former method is more economical and would ensure that heavy traffic doesn't often use the parkway.

Land between the driveway and the low land subject to flooding should be secured, but this will be impracticable without the consent of the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company. It would be wise to take a few acres of the level upland to provide a local pleasure ground and playground for the large district adjoining.

An arrangement should be made with the trustees of the Portland University for extending the drive to the fine commanding view point in their grounds. This will not only enhance the parkway but also provide a beautiful spot for the university's students and faculty to enjoy.

A similar picturesque parkway can be laid out along the top of the bluff from the south end of Grand avenue to Sellwood. However, this will require the consent of a new railroad company that has acquired much of the land needed for the parkway.

The construction of this railroad has badly damaged the bluff, and its proximity to the pleasure drive will detract from its value. To secure a suitable arrangement, it would be necessary to move the Milwaukie avenue and electric street railway far enough back from the bluff to enable the pleasure drive to be laid out where the street now is.

If the necessary land for the widening is secured, the actual moving of the electric street railway and avenue might be postponed for many years. Another difficulty occurs at the new crematory, which has been built so close to the bluff that there is no room for a pleasure drive.

The Olmsted Portland park plan envisioned a network of riverfront squares that would become valuable pleasure grounds for the city's residents. These squares would be located near the center of the city and would cater to the large poor population that congregated in the lower and most densely populated parts.

The most desirable locations for these riverfront squares would be between the Morrison-street bridge and the Burnside-street bridge, but others should also be considered. A cheap style of improvement would be sufficient initially, allowing for a series of terraces with walks, trees, and benches to accommodate a large number of people in a small space.

Sellwood is a charming neighborhood that's sure to benefit from a local park. A park large enough to contain ten to fifteen acres of level ground, as well as the bluff and some of the river front, would be a great addition to the area.

The population in Sellwood is currently small, but it's expected to grow in the future, making a park a very desirable amenity. The proposed river bluff parkway would also make this park a terminus, making it an even more valuable asset to the community.

A meadow park in Sellwood would provide a beautiful green space for residents to enjoy, and could be used for field games and other recreational activities. Alternatively, a tract of flat land east of Milwaukie avenue could be secured for a park, providing a similar benefit to the community.

The views of the river from a park in Sellwood would be stunning, and it would also be a great location for boat livery and boat club houses. Additionally, a ferry could be established to provide access to Ross Island and the proposed Upper Riverside Square.

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Multnomah is a park that's been proposed to be located west of the lower end of the wooded part of Ross Island. If a few acres of bottom land can be secured from the O. R. & N. Company, it would be a wise provision for future requirements in the way of a play ground and airing ground for a portion of the city.

This park would be needed as the starting point for a ferry to Ross Island and the east side of the river, and it would be useful as a boating headquarters. It would also provide a much-needed green space for the densely populated area that's likely to spring up along the river.

The park wouldn't need to be filled to a height that would make all of it above all floods, as it would be used mostly during the summer, when there is little danger of floods. This would allow for a more natural and sustainable design.

The Olmsted Brothers were a very famous landscape architecture firm, experts at designing outdoor areas like parks, gardens, and entire city layouts. Their work in Portland was one of their many important projects.

They were a family-run business, with a father-son team that made a significant impact on American landscape architecture. The Olmsted Brothers created many well-known parks across the United States.

Their expertise was highly sought after, and they worked on projects that transformed urban spaces and brought people together.

The city of Portland's success in implementing the Olmsted plan relied heavily on the co-operation of land owners.

Land owners were crucial in providing the land needed for the parks, and if they could see the benefits of the plan, they would be more willing to sell their land at low prices.

The Olmsted plan was designed to take advantage of the city's topographical features, but it also involved acquiring a large amount of land, which was a challenge.

The city needed to buy land for the new parks, but land prices started to go up very quickly, making it difficult to implement the plan.

John Olmsted, one of the brothers, even said that "Portland is not awake to her opportunities", meaning the city wasn't moving fast enough to buy the land it needed.

Emanuel Tillman Mische, a person hired to help make the plan a reality, worked on the plan until 1914 as the Parks Superintendent for Portland.

Despite the challenges, the Olmsted plan has been very important over the years, guiding most of the development of Portland's parks.

Many of the green spaces you see in Portland today are there because of this original plan from 1903.

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The park planning process is a crucial step in creating beautiful and functional green spaces. Emanuel Tillman Mische, who worked for the Olmsted Brothers, was hired to help make the Olmsted plan a reality in 1908.

In 1909, the city of Portland faced a challenge in buying land for the new parks, as land prices started to go up very quickly. John Olmsted even said that "Portland is not awake to her opportunities", indicating that the city wasn't moving fast enough to acquire the necessary land.

The Olmsted plan has guided most of the development of Portland's parks, and many of the green spaces you see in Portland today are there because of this original plan from 1903.

Viewing plans and documents is a crucial part of understanding the park planning process.

You can view plans, documents, and images through the Olmsted Archives digital collection, courtesy of the National Park Service's Frederick Law Olmsted National Historical Site.

Improving park systems isn't a one-time task, it's an ongoing process that requires continuous effort. A comprehensive system of parks and parkways, like the one proposed for Portland, should be improved both occasionally and continuously.

Improvements can be made through occasional large expenditures, such as borrowing money or making large appropriations for specific purposes. This approach can lead to significant upgrades, like the creation of a large forest reservation west of the Willamette River.

However, annual appropriations and moderate increases to the regular maintenance force can also make a big difference. This approach can help maintain parks and keep them looking their best over time. In fact, the improvement of parks takes place more rapidly during times of commercial prosperity or extreme industrial depression.

Loans for park improvement and land purchases should be authorized during good times and expended during hard times. This approach can help distribute the burden evenly over several years and take advantage of lower land prices during economic downturns.