Parks and natural landscapes are just as important as buildings, such as Mount Vernon, when it comes to preservation. The main reasoning for this is because they provide both an educational experience and historical significance. Lake Park, designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, is a great example of a well-preserved park and designed landscape (Lake Park Friends). I was surprised when our tour guide told us that much of the park has remained untouched since its original planning and construction in the late 1880s and early 1890s. The fact that it has been maintained for so long shows that it is important to the community and worth protecting. If people did not care about the beautiful park layout or the preservation of nature, then this area probably would have been filled with condos by now. Luckily, because people care and preservation methods have been instilled, we are able to see many types of preservation in this area.
One of the most interesting aspects of the park was its mix of preservation types. For example, the Indian mound represents prehistoric archeology because it was created in a time before written records, and it is still somewhat a mystery to us. The artifacts from the original North Point Lighthouse can be considered historical archeology because people have been excavating to find out what happened to it (Murtagh 133). It is interesting that with all the record keeping that the lighthouse keepers did, no one is quite sure what happened to the original lighthouse and where all of its original building materials ended up.
The first image I chose, which is of the Lion Bridges, represents particular set of park features that addressed several areas of preservation. These bridges, built over two ravines in 1896-97 and designed by Oscar Saane, connect nature, landscape, and a built environment (Lake Park Friends). The bridges connect one natural setting to another by guiding people through forests and open areas. The structures of the bridges also become part of the landscape in the way that they add aesthetic appeal to the area. Although they are a manmade structure, they do not distract from the natural beauty of the area. I have seen many bridges at other locations that are bulky, concrete distractions that visually take away from their surrounding environment. Lastly, the efforts for preservation associated with the bridges would not have been possible if it were not for the Lake Park Friends who took the initiative to have the bridges restored, thus saving them from being lost forever.
The second image I chose, the current North Point Lighthouse, represents an excellent example of the built and organizational significance of Lake Park. The fact that the people and stories of the lighthouse are well documented and continuously retold by volunteers enables it to become an important part of Milwaukee history. Had people not come together to restore the lighthouse and its adjoining house, we probably would not have been able to have the learning experience that we had today. This is one of the most valuable aspects of preservation: preserving the past so that future generations can learn from it (Murtagh 21). As for the lighthouse itself, it was interesting to see the differences in construction as the lighthouse gained its addition. It is almost like a visual timeline for the history of the building. This is such a unique building, and I am glad that it was restored. It sits nicely on the surrounding landscape with the two Lion Bridges leading up to it, which creates an overall welcoming feeling to the people visiting the park. This is perhaps one of the most important aspects of the park: its layout and design guides people through nature and significant structures, all while making them feel welcomed into the environment.
Works Cited:
Lake Park Friends. A History Walk Through Lake Park. Milwaukee: Lake Park Friends. Print.
Murtagh, William J. Keeping Time: The History and Theory of Preservation in America. 3rd ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley, 2006. Print.
The tour guide was great! It was very interesting to see what went untouched throughout the years, and to learn that most of the park was untouched. I really enjoyed everything the Lake Park Friends Association was doing to help the park. The fact that they were able to restore the Bistro, the warming house, the lion bridges and the lighthouse was amazing. They must have so much help and community support to raise enough money.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you about the Lighthouse. The fact that the history was so well preserved made Tuesday’s trip much more exciting. Especially being able to walk though the history of the lighthouse as you climbed the levels. I couldn’t believe the view that was available from the top! The docents were very fun and knowledgeable as well. The lighthouse really brings a rich history to Milwaukee with all its keepers and all the “mistake” moments it had.
I think that your argument about the layout being so appealing and welcoming to visitors at Lake Park is very appropriate. The entire set up surrounding the light house is very quaint, and does seem to be a bit untouched, frozen in time. The bridges are also visually appealing, and you make an excellent point here, as well, by stating that they are welcoming, and not bulky or out of place, as so many other examples one could point out are.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that Olmstead designed Lake Park was really all of the argument I needed to determine the validity as to whether or not this park should continue to be preserved, or to validate past preservation efforts. Like Central Park in New York City, I have read that Olmstead designed Lake Park, as well, to have moments of obscurity, private reflections spaces scattered within, existing wholly and contrarily to the wide open spaces, and recreational areas. When I think of a perfect day in nature, I think of all of those things together to have a fulfilling, complete experience. I need to play some sport, or do something physical, have a space to be able to stare at and enjoy, and just "be" in, and to have another place that I feel as if I discovered, a place that is mine and my secret only. This park has all of those things, and Olmstead was a visionary. An architect of land, I would say, which, if you think about it, is such a respectful occupation to choose.