Jairaj, Pavana2025-02-202025-02-202024-05-22https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14394/55521In the age of globalization, as human activities continue to alter the landscape, there is a growing need for recreational spaces to function not only as leisure areas but also as platforms for fostering a wider ecological consciousness through environmental education (Fortuna-Antoszkiewicz, 2018). The intrinsic connection between nature and humanity highlights the significance of not severing this bond. Olmsted Park in Boston is a historic urban park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the late 19th century. It is part of the Emerald Necklace and features scenic paths, ponds, and wooded areas for visitors to enjoy. Historical accounts suggest a marked decrease in the number of visitors to Olmsted Park since the 1960s, a shift that can be linked to changing patterns in recreational activities within public spaces. Another challenge associated with the decline in park usage may be the limited accessibility to key areas of the park, such as Leverett Pond. This paper focuses on the ways in which an environmental educational program can be incorporated in an informal manner using didactic elements to keep visitors engaged while respecting the heritage as well as the natural settings of the picturesque landscapes that make up the park. An important aspect of this project is demonstrating ways in which Olmsted Park can be an inclusive public open space for all age groups, backgrounds, and abilities to prioritize the needs and aspirations of the diverse community of Boston.Masters Project