Documentary of Olmsted to screen on Nov. 9 in Asheville

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Press release here:

On Tuesday, November 9, 2010, Pack Square Conservancy will present the Asheville premiere of a new documentary about Frederick Law Olmsted and America’s urban parks. The film features the voices of Kevin Kline and Kerry Washington and has had successful premiere events in Prospect Park (Brooklyn, NY), Boston, Buffalo, Baltimore, Louisville, San Francisco, and will be shown in Atlanta just prior to the Asheville screening.

One hundred and fifty one years after Frederick Law Olmsted designed New York City’s Central Park with Calvert Vaux, it remains an undisputed haven of tranquility amidst one of the largest, tallest, and most unnatural places on earth. The Olmsted Legacy, a one hour documentary, examines the formation of America’s first great city parks in the late 19th century through the enigmatic eyes of Frederick Law Olmsted (1822 – 1903), visionary urban planner and landscape architect.

The event will begin with a one hour reception at the Blue Spiral Gallery (38 Biltmore Ave.) at 6 p.m., followed by the film premiere at neighboring Fine Arts Theatre. After the film, a panel discussion and Q&A will be conducted about the importance of urban parks, and the conservancies and foundations that work to protect and maintain them.

To find out more about Pack Square Conservancy or to make a contribution, learn more about sponsorship opportunities, or join the Friends of Pack Square Park program, log onto www.packsquarepark.org or contact the Conservancy at 828-252-2300.