FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Buffalo’s Olmsted Parks to be represented in national initiatives
The National Association for Olmsted Parks (NAOP) recently announced its official welcome of Stephanie Crockatt to their Board of Trustees. This comes at a significant and opportune time with the planning of Olmsted 200, a 2022 national initiative to recognize and celebrate the 200th birth year of Frederick Law Olmsted, father of American landscape architecture.
Buffalo holds a unique place in NAOP history. In 1980, Joan Bozer hosted park experts and Olmsted advocates from across the U.S. in the official formation of the association. NAOP’s offices were originally in Buffalo, aligned with the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, before relocating to Washington D.C. Today, led by President and CEO, Anne Neal Petri, NAOP is a coalition of professionals representing design, preservation, historic property and park management, scholars, municipal officials, citizen activists, and leaders of numerous Olmsted organizations coast to coast. Its’ mission is to advance Olmsted’s principles and legacy of irreplaceable parks and landscapes that revitalize communities and enrich people’s lives.
“The National Association for Olmsted Parks is thrilled to have Stephanie join our board,” said Anne Neal Petri, president of NAOP. “She is an immensely creative leader who brings a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Olmsted parks and places across the country. We know Stephanie will help us shape and strengthen NAOP’s mission to protect and preserve Olmsted’s legacy for future generations.”
Crockatt has been leading the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy as its Executive Director since 2015, overseeing the nonprofit’s mission and strategic growth toward fulfilling Olmsted’s legacy for Buffalo. Joining the NAOP Board validates the prominence and value of Buffalo’s Olmsted Parks, and recognizes the Conservancy as a leading organization in the park advocacy, restoration, and management realm. Participation with the national organization, its Olmsted 200 initiative and the greater Olmsted Network is tribute to Buffalo and its first-in-the-nation park system.
“This is a tremendous opportunity and honor, and I am excited to be representing Buffalo as part of the NAOP especially at a time when the value of our parks and Olmsted landscapes are more vital than ever,” said Crockatt. “Hats off to Joan Bozer, Frank Kowsky and others for their historic work with NAOP and blazing that park path for so many organizations and affiliates who now benefit from this coalition.”
To stay up to date on all things Olmsted and plans for the 2022 celebration, please visit www.bfloparks.org and www.olmsted.org.
