(a) There are several open space policy alternatives recognized by urban planners and available to cities today, including, and among others, the linear corridor parks system, the large scale parks system, the small scale parks system and the combination parks system. It has been determined and established that the combination parks system is best suited for and best meets the open space and recreational needs of this community. Such a combination parks system emphasizes the integration of parks of varying sizes and functions throughout the community, and encompasses possibly one very large City park, several strategically located multiple-use community parks, and many smaller and evenly dispersed neighborhood parks and block parks.
(b) To fully provide for the open space and recreational needs of the community, a comprehensive parks and recreation system is required. As indicated above, such a system will include a combination of open space and recreational areas involving a variety of park types, each serving a particular area and range of active and passive recreational activities, and each varying in size according to its function and location. Such a system will further provide for adequate recreational equipment and park facilities, as well as needed recreational programs and activities at these parks.
(c) The following table depicts classification, description and population standards of various parks, trails, and recreation amenities as identified by the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Board of Accreditation and National Standards:
National Standards of Park/Trail Land Development (NPRA Standards)
Classification | Description | Population Standards |
Mini Park | Used to address limited, isolated or unique recreation needs | 0.5 acres/1,000 people (no firm standard is applicable) |
Neighborhood Park | Court games, play fields, playgrounds, sitting areas. Focus on informal active/passive recreation. | 1.0 to 2.0 acres/1,000 people |
Community Park | Serves a broader purpose than neighborhood park. Focus is on community-based recreation needs, preservation of unique landscapes. | 5.0 to 8.0 acres/1,000 people |
School Park Facility | Combines park with school site. May be elementary, middle or high school. May satisfy neighborhood, community or sports complex need. | Variable size depending on function. |
Sports Complex | Consolidates, heavily programmed, athletic fields and associated facilities to larger and fewer sites, strategically located. | Determined by demand. Minimum 25 acres. 40-80 acres optimal. |
OVERALL SYSTEM | ALL DEVELOPED PARK LAND | 6.25 to 10.5 acres/1,000 people |
Overall System | Including undeveloped park land | 6.25 to 10.5 acres/1,000 people |
Baseball/Softball | 1 field/2,000 people | |
Basketball | 1 court/1,000 people | |
Boating | 100 acres of water surface/1,000 people | |
Golf | 18 holes/25,000 people | |
Picnicking | 7 to 14 tables/1,000 people | |
Soccer | 1 field/2,000 people | |
Swimming Pool - Indoor | 1 pool/20,000 people | |
Swimming Pool - Outdoor | 150 - meter pool/20,000 people | |
Tennis | 1 court/2,000 people | |
Theater - outdoor stage | 1 stage/20,000 people | |
Track & Field | 1 track/10,000 people | |
Trails - biking | 1 mile/1,500 people | |
Trails - hiking | 1 mile/5,000 people | |
Trails - nature | 1 mile/10,000 people | |
Volleyball | 1 court/5,00 people | |
(d) For purposes of this chapter, and in accordance with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the minimum park standards will be referenced to the national standards listed in the previous section based on National Standards of Parks stipulated in the 1995 and 1983 NPRA publications. Population standard of ten (10) acres per 1,000 people has been stated in Section 1118.01(b).
(Ord. 19-15. Passed 6-15-15.)