After years of neglect, a multi-million dollar effort is underway to restore Boston's Emerald Necklace -- the oldest park system in the country -- in keeping with the original vision of its designer the famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
"Like a dusty family heirloom, Boston's renowned Emerald Necklace, the oldest public park system in the country, has lost its manicuredluster to decades of benign neglect and overuse. Its rambling meadows, stone bridges, quiet pathways and ponds still provide a restorativeretreat in the midst of a bustling city. But the pastoral landscape that famed architect Frederick Law Olmsted so deliberately constructedto appear natural has evolved into a true wilderness, with invasive plant species treading on carefully cultivated vegetation and accidentaltrees spoiling well-orchestrated vistas.Now, for the first time in nearly 100 years, the necklace's woodlands and waterways are being restored in keeping with Olmsted'spioneering vision. As part of a multimillion-dollar effort, public agencies and private groups together are working on plans to dredge thesilt-filled Muddy River and proceed with what amounts to the monumental weeding of a spectacular urban garden."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
Read the full story: Restoring an Urban Necklace's Sheen
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet
Get ready for that new train smell and more seats. But they won’t go faster or run more frequently on the Cascades route in Washington and Oregon.
Austin landlords only need to address mold when it covers 25 sqft. A resolution looks to change that
The city manager will propose updates to the city code regarding regulations around mold in May.
NYCHA’s green future? Officials open ‘showroom’ apartment with sustainable features
Heat pumps, inductions stoves and infrared heating panels: these are a few of the climate-friendly upgrades being installed at some public housing developments, with more to come, officials said Tuesday.
Newsom kills bill requiring polluting factories near schools to undergo environmental review
In his veto letter, Newsom wrote that protecting communities and strengthening manufacturing “were not mutually exclusive.”
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello