An Evening with Jens Jensen: Designer of Racine Parks
MONDAY, AUGUST 27; program begins at 6:30 p.m.
Jens Jensen, the father of native plant landscape architecture and the founder of Door County’s The Clearing Folk School, was a pillar in the landscape architecture and environmental movements in the late 1800s and early 1900s. In this performance, Roger Kuhns takes on Jensen’s personality, mannerisms, accent and ethic to convey to the audience the innovative and conscientious nature of the man. It is a very personal, moving and engaging glimpse of this amazing person. In the program, Jensen is in the twilight of his career and, at 86 years old, is still spry and driven to help people realize the importance of respecting nature.
Jensen was born in Dybbol, Denmark in 1860. He came to America as a young man and became the father of landscape architecture using native plants in landscaping design. Jensen, hired in 1906 by Racine’s newly formed Parks Commission, designed the Racine park system and was a leader in the preservation and environmental movements.
The renowned landscape architect and contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed Island Park, Washington Park and Monument Square in Racine, as well as other parks and private commissions throughout the Midwest. Jensen’s clients in his private practice included Henry Ford.
Jens Jensen will be honored at the Root River Festival on August 26 at Lincoln Park in Racine. For details, visit the festival Facebook event page.
