1. An effective common open space system should tie together a number of diverse recreational activity areas with adequate pedestrian pathways and auto/bicycle access for residents it is intended to serve. As many homes as possible should have direct access to the open space of a development. Access to open space areas should be a minimum of 25 feet wide. Developed common open space generally should not be isolated in one corner of a project.
2. Greenways, as identified in the Dover Borough/Dover Township Joint Comprehensive Plan, shall be shown on the development plan and appropriate land shall be dedicated for the development of the greenway.
3. Active recreation should be visibly close but shall not interfere with the privacy of adjacent residents. It should be designed to accommodate the recreation needs of the project’s intended age groups.
4. Recreational Facilities. The following requirements shall be met:
A. Pedestrian Pathways (1 Facility). Recommended for all developments pedestrian pathways shall be used to connect greenways between developments, open space between recreational facilities and between residential buildings and other uses. Vehicular conflicts with common open space pathways are discouraged.
B. Internal Bicycle Paths (2 Facilities). In planned developments where internal bicycle paths are proposed and primarily intended to provide access for occupants of such developments, the following pathway width design guidelines shall be observed:
Pathway Type | Pathway Width (feet) |
One-way bikeway shared with pedestrians | 8 |
Two-way bikeway shared with pedestrians | 12 |
One-way independent bikeway path | 4 |
Two-way independent bikeway path | 8 |
C. Playlots (1 Facility). Recommended for developments of a total of 75 lots or more.
(1) Minimum of 2,000 square feet for toddlers and up to 5,000 square feet for older children. Primarily used by pre-school age children.
(2) Facilities include swings, slides, play sculptures, and benches for parents.
(3) Effective service radius of one playlot would be mile.
(4) Approximately one playlot for each 200 persons or 50 children.
D. Playgrounds (2 Facilities). Recommended for developments of 75 lots or more. Designed for a variety of uses. Equipment should reflect the patronage. Sandboxes and play sculpture for young children; basketball courts or backboards for older youths; paved areas for various activities; and shuffleboard areas for the elderly.
E. Tennis (2 Facilities). Recommended one court for each 100 dwelling units. Automobile parking should be provided on the basis of four spaces per court together with appropriate bicycle parking facilities.
F. Swimming Pools (3 Facilities).
(1) The size of pools should generally be based on the number of dwelling units as follows:
Number of Dwelling Units | Pool Size in Sq. Ft. |
Under 50 | 800–1,000 |
50–100 | 1,000–1,300 |
101–150 | 1,200–1,500 |
151–200 | 1,400–1,800 |
Over 200 | 1,800 up |
(2) In larger developments, a series of smaller pools relating to individual housing groups should be considered instead of a centrally located, large pool. Wading pools should be provided where the anticipated child population indicates that they will be used.
G. Community Buildings (4 Facilities). In planned developments of over 150 dwelling units, consideration should be given toward a recreation center/com munity multi-purpose building. Such facilities should be within walking or easy biking distance of the majority of residents it is intended to serve.
H. Other Amenities (Number of Facilities to Be Determined by the Planning Commission). Consider jogging trails and exercise areas in an adult oriented project. Provide benches and sitting areas along pathways where age restricted and particularly where they can incorporate or provide views of a significant landscape feature, recreational facility or interesting site design of the project. Consider an area reserved for small garden plots in larger developments.
(Ord. 2011-05, 3/14/2011, § 717)