Olmsted Outlook

OlmstedswMain

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The more than 100-year-old seawall at Olmsted Outlook is unstable and collapsing in places. GLCT has completed the permitting process and construction to replace it will take place in 2024. Meanwhile, please stay away from the wall. Once construction begins, the property will be closed for many months. We will post more information along the way. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. 

Olmsted Outlook is a special one-half acre parcel located at 140 River Street, at the foot of Broad Street, that was given to the land trust in 1981 by Howard and Deborah Weaver. Though it would be the only GLCT property maintained as a park, the land trust viewed the gift as an opportunity to provide Guilford residents with a special area, close to the Guilford Green, from which to enjoy the scenic view along the banks of the West River.
 
At the dedication of Olmsted Outlook during the trust’s annual meeting on 16, May 1982, Carolyn K. Evans, President said:

It was Howard (Weaver)’s desire that we call this property “Olmsted Outlook.” A view, framed by old trees, encompasses the ever-changing West River and salt marshes, with Westwoods in the distance. It was 150 years ago that Frederick Law Olmsted, the famous landscape architect, first visited Guilford. Views such as this influenced his thinking when designing parks such as Manhattan’s Central Park. As far as we can tell, the site today is very much the same as it was when Olmsted first saw it years ago. The site, along the river, forms a sort of boundary to the old center of Guilford, providing a vista – an opening to the countryside. Such a setting for contemplation and appreciation of unspoiled natural beauty is rarely found near the center of a town. We hope you will enjoy this property and help us care for it.

The land trust maintains the property, including the seawall, the picket fence, the flower beds and the lawn. There is a small parking lot, and a bench invites visitors to stop a while and enjoy the view. The vista includes 59 acres of marshland acquired and protected by the land trust.