By Douglas Vaira Ever wonder who the modern day Frederick Law Olmsteds are? Who has the vision to create public spaces on the scale of Central Park? The next time you pass a beautifully manicured green, tree-lined boulevard, or activityfilled park, give a nod of thanks to A lexander Garvin and Jess Zimbabwe. For although they may not have been directly responsible for that particular place, chances are it ref lects their inspiration and passion. Their design of the public realm-the parks, great lawns, and city streets that bring life to our communities- d i f ferentiates t hem f rom ot hers, a nd ma ke t hem specia l places i n ou r l ives. Jess Zimbabwe DEsiGN urban planning visionaries of today? www.NRPA .ORG JANUARY 2010 Parks & Recreation 47