Robert Hammond

2019 Elvira Broome Doolan Medal

With profound gratitude for his passionate commitment to transform a neglected industrial site into the High Line, a unique Manhattan park enjoyed by millions.

Seconded by: Alamo Heights-Terrell Hills Garden Club, Zone IX

In 1999, Robert Hammond along with Joshua David co-founded Friends of the High Line. For twenty years, Robert has been a driving force to turn this abandoned rail line on the west side of Manhattan into one of the world’s most acclaimed parks--the High Line. Thousands became involved to transform this neglected site into a public space where visitors view art, walk through gardens, or experience a performance, while enjoying a unique perspective of the city. This continuous 1.45 mile-long linear greenway features over 500 species of plants and trees and attracts over 7 million visitors annually. Maintained by the Friends of the High Line and owned by NYC, this park serves as a model for reuse projects and for community activism in the US and abroad. A tireless advocate, Robert continues his involvement as executive director, supervising daily operations including fundraising. He shares his creative energy, encouraging others to step up to challenging community projects.

The Elvira Broome Doolan Medal is in recognition of innovative work in landscape architecture with emphasis on city planning and civic improvement in urban areas.

The Elvira Broome Doolan Medal was endowed by the estate of Jerome K. Doolan in memory of his wife, Elvira Broome Doolan, a member of Pasadena Garden Club and The Garden Club of Santa Barbara, both Zone XII, and GCA president (1968–71). Elvira studied landscape architecture at the University of California, Berkeley. The medal was designed by Charles Parker in 1991 and first awarded in 1993. Elvira was the 1972 recipient of the GCA’s Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal for her outstanding achievements in garden design and for her creative ability and originality.

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