We are incredibly grateful to share that two of our projects have been recognized by the 2024 Boston Society of Landscape Architects awards panel! The Olmsted Now Committee of Neighborhoods received the Jury Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Social Impact, and the High Line Network Community First Toolkit received the sole Honor Award in the Communications category.

“Olmsted Now” was Greater Boston’s contribution to the bicentennial project of the National Association for Olmsted Parks. This local effort focused on not only celebrating Olmsted’s historical life, but also expanding and carrying forward his ideas into the present. The Grayscale team identified the purpose, process, and potential impacts of the Committee of Neighborhoods, an unprecedented campaign to transform the leadership and programming structure of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy - and ensure that Boston’s public spaces are welcome to all.

The Community First Toolkit (CFT) provides a visionary, adaptable framework for public realm advocates to directly tackle infrastructural racism and embed equity at all stages of the design process. This free, online resource centers landscape as a vehicle to maximize community benefits. The 18 tools prepare designers to respond to equity issues in 4 impact areas: civic & cultural life; economic development; health, wellness & resilience; organizational growth.