In 1895, Brooklyn, New York, still three years away from becoming part of New York City, acquired 144-acres of marshland with the intention of transforming it into a park to serve the waterside neighborhood of immigrants. Olmsted, Olmsted & Eliot were hired to transform the marsh into 50-acres of tidal saltwater lagoon surrounded by plantings, a concert grove, playgrounds, and other community amenities.
At the same time the firm was working on what would be known as Dyker Beach, they were also planning a parkway that follows the shoreline, connecting to Dyker Beach. Unfortunately, lack of funds and public health concerns ended this addition. Today, little of the original Olmsted design remains, though Dyker Beach remains a popular destination.
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service