Cultivating “Communitiveness”: Frederick Law Olmsted’s Democratic Vision for Public Parks

Authors

• Barbara J. Lowe, St. John Fisher UniversityFollow

Document Type

Poster Presentation

Publication Date

4-17-2026

Keywords

fsc2026

Abstract

Frederick Law Olmsted (1822–1903) was best known as the co-designer of New York City’s Central Park and also the designer of both the Rochester and Buffalo park systems.  Olmsted understood public parks not merely as aesthetic amenities but as vital democratic institutions.  This presentation examines Olmsted’s concept of “communitiveness,” which he described as the essential germ of civilization: a set of social dispositions that enable individuals to serve others and be served in return. Drawing on Olmsted’s writings and his proposed public park system for Rochester, New York (1888–1895), the presentation explores how parks were designed to cultivate communitiveness by supporting physical, psychological, and social health.

Comments

Poster presented at the 2026 Fisher Showcase, St. John Fisher University, April 17, 2026.

Publication Information

Lowe, Barbara J., "Cultivating “Communitiveness”: Frederick Law Olmsted’s Democratic Vision for Public Parks" (2026). Fisher Showcase 2026. Paper 134.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/fsc2026/134

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