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In 1870, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux proposed a system of public grounds for his hometown of Hartford, CT. Noting the importance of properly surveying the city before committing to a plan, they wrote in a report “The larger city will need, not only on account of its larger population, but because of the growth of a spatial demand in modern urban society, much ampler public grounds

In 1870, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux proposed a system of public grounds for his hometown of Hartford, CT. Noting the importance of properly surveying the city before committing to a plan, they wrote in a report “The larger city will need not only on account of its larger population, but because of the growth of a spatial demand in modern urban society, much ampler public grounds than it yet possesses.” The initial proposal, partly consisting of a pleasure ground with “a graceful, quiet lawn”, “umbrageous trees or groves”, “water”, and “an eminence commanding a good general view of the whole and fine distant prospect” was delayed and never executed. However, the Olmsted Firm would continue a relationship with the city of Hartford and contribute to several parks in the city, including the establishment of Goodwin Park (00802) and the redesign of Bushnell Park (00801). [Report on Park Site for the City of Hartford addressed to C.M. Pond Esq._1870_LOC-FLOP-SF-R29-Hartford-im.4&8]

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