Olmsted 200: Tribute to the creator of Druid Hills
Frederick Law Olmsted, considered the father of landscape architecture, designed some of America’s most important green spaces: Central Park in New York, Prospect Park in Brooklyn, the Emerald Necklace in Boston, the grounds of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville and the grounds of the United States Capitol in Washington DC
In 1892, while completing the Biltmore estate, Olmsted was invited to Atlanta by developer Joel Hurt (who also designed Inman Park) to design his last planned community, Druid Hills. The centerpiece of the neighborhood would be a series of linear parks along Ponce de Leon Avenue. It would be Olmsted’s last commission before his death in 1903.
As with all of his creations, Olmsted’s primary goal, no matter what or where he worked, was to attempt to change American society for the better. He used his landscape designs to promote harmony, health and social democracy and believed that parks and green spaces were a place where all people could come together, build community and connect on a ground of agreement.
A series of events are planned for April 25-30 to commemorate Olmsted’s 200th birthday in the community.
Olmsted 200 Tennis Tournament
Olmsted Linear Park Association is partnering with Druid Hills Golf Club to host the Olmsted 200 Tennis Tournament to benefit the park and commemorate Frederick Law Olmsted’s 200th birthday on April 25. The tournament will have two sessions: 5:00-6:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. This is a mixed doubles event limited to 44 players each session, so register early to reserve your slot. Players will be matched according to their USTA level, unless otherwise specified. This is a fun charity event and each registrant will receive a goody bag. Food and drinks will also be available. Register at atlantaolmstedpark.org.
Olmsted 200and Birthday Gala in Callanwolde
Celebrate Olmsted’s birthday in style on April 26 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. during this optional black-tie party at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Centre, 980 Briarcliff Road. The evening will feature live jazz music from Joe Gransden and culinary delights from Zest, as well as beer and wine options. The event will take place indoors and outdoors, with COVID-19 protocols in place. As of this announcement, the gala was sold out, but check this link for more tickets to be released.
Historic Druid Hills Home and Garden Tour
Twelve historic homes and gardens from the Olmsted-designed Druid Hills neighborhood will be featured at 52n/a annual event, which returns after a two-year pandemic hiatus. Buy your tickets on this link.
Olmsted Linear Park Artists Market
Head to Dellwood Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 30 for shopping at local artisans, kids’ activities and more.
Outdoor Concert at Emory Village
Bring your friends and covers to Emory Village on April 30 at 6 p.m. to mix, mingle and listen to a free concert presented by Grammy-nominated musician Shawn Mullins.
For details on these events and more, visit
atlantaolmstedpark.org/atlanta-olmsted-200.