Riverside, Illinois master plan - Olmsted Designed Parks on Waymarking.com

Shortly after the Civil War, Olmsted and Vaux were asked to plan a new community just west of Chicago. But they did more than simply lay out a few streets. They created a stunningly beautiful community in a park along the Des Plaines River, complete with curving lanes, abundant greenery, and gas street lights. 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."

Riverside was the first fully realized rendering of Olmsted's ideal suburb: a compromise between private and public, between domesticity and community, between the city and the country.

To this day, the charm of Riverside endures. The entire Village was designated a National Historical Landmark in 1970 due to its significance as a planned community and because of its unique original community landscaping plan that is still followed today.


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Type of Public Space: suburban parkways and streets Job Number: Not listed Architect: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
There are no specific visit requirements, however telling about your visit is strongly encouraged. Additional photos of the park to add to the gallery are also nice, but not required. Pictures with a GPS or you in them is highly discouraged.

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