Frederick Law Olmsted Designs First Playground in Newton MA

I had no idea that Frederick Law Olmsted designed the first park in my town. If you saw the Newton Centre Playground, it looks pretty nondescript. It’s not dense with foliage and trees like New York City’s Central Park.

But, back when it was designed, there were many features to this small space that were well thought out. Things like minimizing the noise from the street traffic, and giving a meandering view to the people as they walked down the path, to allow them to decompress and start to enjoy the natural landscape surrounding them.

There used to be archery targets, a sledding track, and barrels used for races back in the day. The design was meant to be flexible to meet the needs of the people as times changed. I enjoyed this fascinating look at my local history. Check it out here:

p.s. Here is the perfect book to go with this:

The Right to Play: How Jane Addams Fought for America’s Playgrounds by Elizabeth Brown, illustrated by Olga Lee

“Give all children the opportunity to be children,” Jane said. “Let children play!”

In 1906, Jane Addams battled anti-immigrant protesters when she built a playground in Chicago near Hull House, a settlement house she co-founded to help new immigrants. Her playground was one of the first in America and served as a model for future playgrounds. As someone who was disabled from tuberculosis as a young child, Jane designed the playground to be inclusive, allowing kids with disabilities to participate in physical play. But she went even further. Jane launched a movement to bring playgrounds to poor and immigrant children across the nation. Jane won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931 for her work as an activist fighting for women’s rights, children’s rights, civil rights, and world peace. [picture book biography, ages 4 and up]

p.s.s. Related posts:

8 Picture Books to Get Kids Outdoors

6 Children’s Books About Sticks and Stick Activities

Let’s Play Outside! Scavenger Hunt, Picnic & Book List for Kids

My Son’s Archery Birthday Party

Play is More Than Just Play

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