The National Association for Olmsted Parks (NAOP) and Olmsted 200 recently announced the winners of the student essay competition sponsored by NAOP. Students at both the secondary and post-secondary school levels were invited to submit essays addressing How should the life, legacy, and values of Frederick Law Olmsted inform 21st-century challenges?
Andrew Herrera, a second-year student in the Master of City and Regional Planning program, was awarded second prize in the College/Graduate School Division for his paper focusing on Olmsted’s visionary awareness of the public’s need for spaces to play in his essay Remembering Frederick Law Olmsted and the Public Need for Places to Play.
At the Bloustein School, Andrew’s interests include climate change resilience and public health, and active transportation for walking and biking.
Julianna Marinelli of Boston College was awarded first with “The Life, Legacy, And Values Of Frederick Law Olmsted: Wisdom For 21st Century Challenges.” The submissions were judged by a jury chaired by Professor Phil Birge-Liberman, Associate Professor in Residence, Urban and Community Studies, University of Connecticut, with members of the NAOP Board. The winners will be published on the Olmsted 200 website.
“Olmsted’s focus on social justice, equitable access, and public health are as relevant today as it was nearly 200 years ago,” said Birge-Liberman. “His ideas can clearly inform solutions to some of today’s challenges— and we are glad to see the creative ideas that students have brought forward.“
Olmsted 200 is a year-long celebration engaging wide and inclusive audiences in examining the foundational principles of Olmsted’s democratic vision, values, and resilient designs. Visit www.olmsted200.org for more information.