Special Feature — Sustainability in Action
Balancing Sustainability in a Historic Community by Heather Prince In 1868, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux were commissioned to design a planned community among the oak- and hickory-forested banks of the Des Plaines River. Streets were laid out to follow the contours of the land and the winding bend of the river. A Grand Park system was designed that linked several large parks through the spine of the village and included 46 small triangular parks and plazas at intersections throughout the town. Olmsted wrote, “We recommend the general adoption, in the design of your roads, of gracefully-curved lines, generous spaces, and the absence of sharp corners. The idea being to suggest and imply leisure, contemplativeness and happy tranquility.” As Olmsted’s first fully realized ideal suburb, Riverside was intended to be a compromise between private and public spaces and a blend of city and the rustic countryside. Because of its historic importance, the Riverside Landscape Architecture District in the heart of the village has been designated a National Historic Landmark. How do you manage a
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historic community’s green spaces, especially one founded on principles of shared natural areas and park lands, in today’s reality of climate change, devastating pests, and invasive species? We talked to Village Forester Michael Collins, about how Riverside has dealt with these challenges while inorporating sustainable landscape practices.
It Still Takes a Village
“There are a lot of different distinct landscapes in Riverside,” commented Collins. “There are manufactured landscapes around homes and businesses, parks providing both pastoral and pictorial views, natural areas, turf for sports, and raised planted beds that beautify the village.” With these layers of green spaces, balancing the needs of the modern community with Olmsted’s vision has required everyone’s participation. There is a strong community partnership between citizens who volunteer, local civic organizations, and the Village. “Volunteer and civic organizations support
The Landscape Contractor October 2021
