Open Spaces /green spaces

1. Open Space

2. Open Space Included among the human aspirations is the desire for open space and outdoor recreation opportunities
where individuals and families can exercise, play, experience nature, and socialize with neighbors. Open
space should be planned as a structural element of the region, city and neighborhood.
Usable open spaces are those areas that are inviting and encourage use by the surrounding community.
Open space that is only a visual amenity, such as agricultural land, may be very important to the
community. Open space can include one or more of the types listed below:
 Lanes
 Playgrounds
 Nurseries
 Close
 Public plazas - located in civic centers or in mixed use neighborhoods including the market plaza
and civic plaza
 Green space - including the green, the park, and the buffer
 Recreational space - sports fields, recreational trails
 Agricultural land
Open space has value as a visual amenity. Farm land and protected wildlife refuges are of this type. But
in the urban context it is generally for public or semi public use. Open space is not usable if the
surrounding streets are unsafe or intrude on the the space. Accessible auto, bike and pedestrian routes
increase the use of outdoor spaces. Equally, green space is not usable if it is overrun by weeds or if the
planting is too dense. Dense plantings prevent sight lines and adequate light infiltration, and therefore
reduce ones sense of safety. Having access to an adequate amount of green space is useful for active
enjoyment with a pet. Public plazas are not always appropriate places to bring a pet, as they are usually
paved, more formal and highly populated.
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has developed a set of recommended park and
open space planning standards. Generally, NRPA, recommends a minimum of 6.25 to 10.5 acres of
developed open space per 1,000 population.

3. Green
Infrastructure
Mashpee Open Space
System (DPZ, 2007)
Define "Green
Infrastructure" and list
two of its
components.
In the unit on Physical Urban Design town plans, neighborhood plans, block types and
building types were presented but without much consideration of the open space that
should be associated with them. For residential development on small parcels open
space is an amenity for the residents especially as the dwelling density increases. For
multi-family housing developments, public open space should be considered the
resident's reward for living in higher density and should be required by city ordinance.
For example projects with 8 to 20 dwelling units per acre might be required to contain
10% to 30% public open space.
Many of the images below consider open space within the context of individual block
(elongated block are used for illustration purposes). This does not mean that open
space systems should not be planned at the community and regional scale. To be most
effective and useful to residents and even wildlife an open space system of corridors
connecting nodes of parkland requires a citywide approach with links to regional
systems. Sometimes called Green Infrastructure this planning approach is especially
important where environmentally sensitive lands are present within or adjacent to
the city.
The perspective at left illustrates and wide range of open space types. Enlarge the
image and note that the open space structures the commercial and high density
housing areas in the most urban neighborhoods and serves as recreation and
connections to the region in the lower density residential areas.
Lane
Lane (Hooper, 2007)
The plan at left shows a truncated lane and auto court in the center of the block. These
are popular places for ball games and wheeled toys. The lane is a much safer location
for these activities than street side locations.
The plan and perspective of Westmont, below, illustrates the use of the lane in the
context of a village housing plan. Note the response to the existing topography that is
apparent in the perspective but not in the plan in the images below. Enlarge the images
and estimate the density of this block.
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) might define the lane as a Mini-
Park. These parks are specialized facilities that serve a concentrated or limited
population or specific group such as tots or senior citizens.
Service area: Less than 1/4 mile radius
Acres per 1,000 population: 0.25 to 0.5 acres

5. Playground Playgrounds should be within 500 feet of any residence in the
neighborhood. They can be easily accommodated in the subdivision lot
pattern. Enlarge the aerial photo and note the use of the end of the
elongated block as the playground location. Also, note that the highest
density housing is adjacent to the public open space.
Playground at the Kentlands (DPZ, 2007)
The area shown in the image above is a little too small but NRPA might
define the playground park a Neighborhood Park. These are the basic
units of a park system and typically provide for both active and passive
recreation activities. The service area should include the entire
adjoining neighborhood. In addition to play apparatus for pre-school
and school age children, facilities are likely to include open lawn and
paved court areas, shelters, wading pools, outdoor ice rinks, and some
off-street parking. Trees, open fields, and undeveloped natural areas
are also desirable components of neighborhood parks.
Service area: 1/4 to 1/2 mile radius to serve a population 1,000 to
5,000 persons
Desirable Size: 5 – 10 acres
Acres per 1,000 population: 1 to 2 acres
Desirable site characteristics: Suited for intense development. Easily
accessible to the neighborhood population. Geographically centered
with safe walking and bike access. May be developed as a school-park
facility.

7. Urban
Playgroun
ds
Playgrounds and nurseries provide
recreational areas and learning
environments for children. In some
instances, playgrounds can function
both as a resource for residents of the
neighborhood and organizations such as
schools. Shared spaces are effective in
maximizing land use in urban areas.
Safety is the first requirement of
playgrounds for toddlers. Protection of
the children from vehicular traffic is
most important.
The space should include areas where
parents can observe the play and
socialize with other parents. Enlarge the
images at left and identify the features
that make it a successful amenity.