Draft Greener Places Design Guide - Draft For Discussion

The importance of openspace for recreationOpen space is one of NSW’s greatest assets.National parks, harbours, beaches, coastalwalks, creek corridors, waterfront promenades,playgrounds, and reserves are integral to thecharacter and life of our metropolitan andregional areas. As we plan for future growth anddevelopment, access to high-quality open spacewill become increasingly important. Our parksand natural landscapes are the places wherepeople can relax, exercise, play, and enjoy ournatural heritage and culture. They also providehabitat for wildlife, help mitigate the impacts ofclimate change, and improve air quality.The NSW Government is committed topromoting equitable access to high-qualityopen space to serve the needs of our growingpopulation. Planning, designing, managing,and maintaining open space is a crucialresponsibility for any town and city.With increasing housing demand andcommunity expectations, we need to exploreinnovative ways of providing open space forrecreation that will support active and healthycommunities. This guide provides a frameworkfor assessing the values and performance of theurban landscape so we can plan to meet ourcurrent and future needs for public open space.1.2Planning forrecreationopportunitiesTowards a performancebased approachWith increasing densities anddeclining land supply, the typicalapproach of setting aside aquantum of land as part ofevery development is no longereffective. With urban infill,brownfield development, andhigher density development,urban growth is no longer aboutlow-density sprawl and no longercomes with additional land tobe apportioned to residential,commercial, and community uses.Evidence from around the world for buildingcities and regional areas around public openspace, active recreation areas, green streets, andwalking and cycling infrastructure, has repeatedlydemonstrated this approach will deliver improvedhealth, social cohesion, vibrant local economies,productivity, and environmental benefits.Planning that relies on a spatial standard suchas 2.8 ha / 1000 people is only effective withhigh levels of quality control and often worksagainst opportunities for multiple use andinnovative solutions. Equally, past approachessuch as specifying a percentage of land did nothave any direct link to the demand arising froma development, as densities can vary greatly yetthe percentage stayed fixed.Moving towards a performance-basedapproach encourages planners to look beyondspatial standards or percentages of land area.It encourages consideration of the range ofrecreation opportunities required and whatstrategies are available to achieve them. The aimof the performance-based approach is to allowmore innovation in planning, more efficient useof land for recreation, and a focus on the qualityof the outcome rather than just the quantity.Fitzroy Gardens,Potts PointGreener Places Design Guide / Open space for recreationDRAF T FOR DISCUSSION11

1.3Strategies forprovidingopen spacefor recreation1.Improve theprovision anddiversity ofopen space forrecreationThe public open spacenetwork should include abroad range of spaces andsettings including formalparks, undeveloped spaces,natural areas, buffers,linear systems, riparian andwaterfront areas, sportsfields and gardens withinpublic institutions, andundeveloped land aroundpublic infrastructure.Sydney Park,St.Peters122.Understand thedemands onexisting openspace, and planfor open space innew and growingcommunitiesWhile effective use of existingparks and other open spaceareas is encouraged, all parkshave a capacity. New demandfor open space from increaseddensity or new housingdevelopment can impactexisting functioning parks.Planning should account for thecapacity of an existing assetand set limits on its ability toaccommodate new demand.Stakeholder workshop.Source: NSW ARB.3.Improve thequality of openspace for betterparks and facilitiesProviding adequate quantitiesof open space based ondemand should be understoodin relation to the quality ofthe spaces provided. Openspace improvements shouldbe considered especially inurban renewal areas whereincreases in capacity arepossible. Providing qualityspaces that are diverse, usable,and accessible can be achievedthrough better planning anddesign of the existing networkof spaces.Prince Alfred Park,SydneyDRAF T FOR DISCUSSION

4.5.6.Providing recreationopportunities in outdoor settingsthat are green and connectedto nature is still a primary driverof planning. Predominantly thisis about public open space, butpublic plazas and developedurban open spaces providea range of opportunities forconnection to nature, not theleast of which is a softening ofthe interface between publicand private space.Developing vibrant towns andstreetscapes with a pedestrianfriendly laneway networkthat connects to open spaceis essential for usability andaccess. Defining a pedestrian,cycle, and green network canconnect urban centres to localand regional open space.Providing a public open spacenetwork that encouragesresidents to be physically activeand connect with the naturalenvironment is an overridingobjective of planning.Sydney Park,St.PetersGlebe foreshore,GlebeUse open spaceto connect peopleto natureGreener Places Design Guide / Open space for recreationLink to thenetwork of greeninfrastructureEncouragephysical activityby providingbetter parks andbetter amenityThornton CommunityCentre, PenrithDRAF T FOR DISCUSSION13

7.Provide openspace that ismultifunctionaland fit for purposeMultiple use of open spaceis strongly supported in thisapproach, particularly wherelocal opportunities can beprovided that meet importantoutcomes such as proximityof access. However, theperformance criteria thatsupport this approach aimto ensure that any spaceused for multiple recreationopportunities is “fit forpurpose” and the maintenanceand management of that spacecan be achieved efficiently.Sydney Park Water Reuse project by TurfDesign & Environmental Partnership.Source: Ethan Rohloff Photography.148.Design versatile,flexible spacesPublic parks are best providedin a way that allows thespace to be versatile, flexible,adaptable, and resilient.Community needs can changerapidly and the most effectiveparks can be reconfiguredin design and function toaccommodate changingparticipation, activities, trends,needs, and preferences.Parramatta Park. Source:Parramatta City Council.9.Considerlife-cycle costs,management, andmaintenancePlanning needs to consider“life-cycle” costs as well asthe community’s return on theinvestment. The developmentcost of public open spaceshould be considered as partof the up-front cost of theinfrastructure. This meansthat sometimes the costof developing suboptimalland should be balancedagainst a lower developmentcost for better quality landfor open space, and theseconsiderations tempered withthe likely maintenance costs ofalternative options.Sydney Royal Botanic Garden. Source:www.flickr.com/. legalcode.DRAF T FOR DISCUSSION

Darling Quarter, SydneyGreener Places Design Guide / Open space for recreationDRAF T FOR DISCUSSION15

1.4CriteriaSix core criteria can help guideperformance outcomes whichdrive the planning of openspace for recreation. All criteriaare subject to local precinctconsiderations:— accessibility and connectivity— distribution— size and shape— quantity— quality— diversity.The performance-based approach used in thisguide defines the desired range of recreationopportunities that can be provided for everyonein the community, and then identifies theperformance criteria for successful provision ofthose recreation opportunities.Accessibility andconnectivityEase of access is critical for thecommunity to be able to enjoyand use public open space andrecreation facilities.Open space should be accessible to everyone.Accessibility refers to the physical ability ofpeople to access a place or thing. Accessibledesign mainly addresses the movement needsof people with disabilities. An inclusion-basedapproach strives to remove obstacles andbarriers that prevent people of all ages, abilities(physical and mental), and cultural backgroundsaccessing and enjoying open space. Refer toEveryone Can Play (Department of Planning,Industry and Environment 2019) for moreinformation.For the community, accessibility is more thanbeing within a certain distance of an openspace. Barriers such as road corridors, railways,unsafe areas, drains and waterways can createdisadvantages for some residents. Visualaccess, minimum areas of road frontage, andcasual surveillance all contribute to perceptionsof access and safety. Connectivity is criticalboth in ensuring access to opportunities butalso in ensuring a diversity of opportunityis available. The Premier’s Priority GreenerPublic Spaces seeks increase the proportionof homes in urban areas within 10 minutes’walk of quality green, open, and public space,and complements the need for accessible andconnected networks throughout NSW.Performance indicatorsLocal accessHigh-densityareas 60dwellings/ha162–3 minutes walk /200 m walking distanceto a local park (barrier free)Medium- tolow-densityareas 60dwellings/ha5 minutes walk /400 m walking distanceto a local park (barrier free)Districtaccess25 minutes walk / 2 kmproximity to a district parkDistrict parks also providelocal accessRegionalaccessUp to 30 minutes travel timeon public transport or byvehicle to regional open spaceRegional parks also provide localaccess and district accessDRAF T FOR DISCUSSION

DistributionThe ability of residents to gainaccess to public open spacewithin an easy walk from home,workplaces, and schools is animportant factor for quality oflife. The geographic distributionof open space is a key access andequity issue for the community.Distribution of recreation opportunitiessupported within the public open space networkneeds to consider both equity and connectivity.The key issues are proximity and safe access toan opportunity. In most cases this is measuredby a walking or travel distance. For local orneighbourhood-level opportunities the abilityto access a park or an opportunity within 400 msafe walking distance is the dominant measure.However, in some cases solutions that offera larger, higher quality park within a longerdistance can be appropriate if that access is viaa high-quality walkway located within a greencorridor, such as a riparian open space corridoror a green street.In some cases equitable distribution may meanthat some residents have a linear open spacewith recreation opportunities within 400 m andothers have a local park.Distribution needs to consider hierarchy ofprovision as well. Access to higher orderopportunities, such as large regional parks ordestination play and picnic spaces, may beconsidered in terms of travel time on publictransport or via private vehicle.Performance indicatorsHigh-density areas(0.15–0.5 ha publicopen space)Distance of openspace from schoolsDistance of open spacefrom workplaces200 mfrom most housesLocal distribution(0.3–2 ha publicopen space)400 mfrom most housesAccessibility vs distributionWhile the performance indicators foraccessibility and distribution are similar,accessibility indicates barrier-free walkingdistance and distribution looks at the rangeof scales and hierarchy of provision for openspace.DefinitionsHigh-density areasIn high-density areas where there is a populationdensity of greater than 60 dwellings/ha withlimited access to private open space, smallerlocal open space can be provided in closerproximity to dwellings.Local open spaceCaters to a local neighbourhood area in urbanareas where users predominantly walk or cycleto use the facility because it is reasonably closeto residences. A multi-use local open spacemay serve a regional small town or village.District open spacesTypically service catchments of less thanone local government area (LGA), or severalneighbourhoods, but can service a catchmentspanning across two LGAs. The planningassumption is that users will be prepared todrive up to 30 minutes to access district openspaces in urban areas. Sporting facilities mostlyoperate at district level.Regional/metropolitan open spacesServe whole cities, metropolitan districts, orone or more LGAs; or a regional centre andmultiple towns and villages in non-metropolitanareas.Users will be prepared to drive significantdistances to access regional open spaces andrecreation facilities. Regional open spaces canbe managed by State agencies, trusts, localgovernments, and other public bodies.400 m400 mDistrict distribution2 km(2–5 ha public open space) from most housesRegional/metropolitandistribution( 5 ha public open space)5–10 kmfrom most housesGreener Places Design Guide / Open space for recreationDRAF T FOR DISCUSSION17

Size and shapeQuantitySize and shape of open spacehas a direct bearing on thecapacity of that open spaceto meet and accommodaterecreation activities and needs.In low- and high-density areas,good provision of public openspace is essential to compensatefor the lack of private openspace to support active livingand contribute to a moreliveable neighbourhood.Open space should be of the dimensionsrequired to be fit for its intended purposesand reflect its urban density context. In higherdensity areas, size is important to ensurethere is sufficient area of open space toaccommodate demand.Quantity is also about capacity, and thecommunity’s expectation is that public openspace for recreation will have enough area foreveryone, and that overcrowding and overusewill not diminish the quality of the experienceand the condition of the space.Active recreation and sport requires specificshapes, dimensions, and boundaries, andsuitable topography. While there may be designsolutions to enable formal sport or activerecreation in suboptimal locations, the costof making a space fit for purpose needs to beconsidered.Investing in increasing capacity can be justas effective as investing in new land and is analternative response that increases the quantityof opportunity.When planning future provision or identifyingspaces for formal sporting use, performancemeasures such as minimum boundary lengthscan be a useful quality control to ensure spacesare functional.Performance indicatorsHigh-density areas – the minimum size of alocal park is 3000 m2. In high-density areas,parks are sometimes as small as 1500 m2.Smaller spaces can provide local amenitybut are not adequate for a diverse range ofrecreational needs. Smaller parks need tobe supported by larger open spaces in thenetwork.Medium to low density areas – the minimumsize of a local park is 5000–7000 m2.Quantity is important when considering theprovision of opportunities for organised andinformal sport. Minimum size and shape standardsapply as do slope and other requirements toensure safe and functional space for organisedsport and active recreation. In addition,participation in sport, organised active recreation,and other group activities means the quantityof provision (i.e. the number of formal spaces)needs to be sufficient to accommodate demand.Performance indicatorsQuantity should be considered in the numberof opportunities available. Larger public openspace areas mean more opportunities can beprovided in one location.Quantity of land available, along with sizeand shape, are critical in adequately meetingsporting needs. There are minimum areasneeded for different sports, and differentsporting spaces can only accommodate somany users.Road frontage and visibility are keyconsiderations, especially in high-densityareas so open space is accessible for all.Sporting facilities have specific size andshape requirements that need to be met toprovide functional space for their use.18DRAF T FOR DISCUSSION

QualityDiversityThe quality of design andongoing maintenance andmanagement is critical toattracting use and activatingthe open space network.The range of open space settingtypes within an urban areawill determine the diversityof recreation opportunityfor communities.Quality is a key driver of both appreciation anduse of public open space. Numerous studieshave identified that people are far more likelyto be active and engage with the outdoors andnatural spaces if they have access to clean,well-maintained, shaded, and visually appealingspaces and pathways.Provision of a diverse range of recreationopportunities reflects the diversity of thecommunity. Diversity is important not just in therange of activities but in the settings that createthe spaces and places for these activities.Within any urban area, the public open spacenetwork should offer both a range of landscapesettings for activity and a range of activities.Quality is just as important as adequate quantity.Feedback from many studies indicates thecommunity would much rather limited funds forinvestment be used for a single high-quality parkwith a number of activations and opportunitiesthan development of, for example, three smallerparks with basic equipment.Diversity of public open space is an important partof contributing to a sense of place within urbanenvironments and for supporting local character.Having walking or active recreation opportunitiesalong creek corridors in one locale can becomplemented by an adjacent opportunity thatuses the margins of sports fields or bushlands.Diversity is also important in the design ofpublic parks. The advantage of having a numberof different opportunities (or activations) withina single larger park means a single space cancater for a range of needs and attract a broaderuser base, which in turn helps to create a senseof community and encourages interaction andsocial cohesion.Performance indicatorsOpen space needs to be strategicallyplanned and designed to create a qualityopen space network; the sum is greater thanits parts. Key characteristics of open spacethat influence quality include:——visual and physical access——landscape setting——demographic, cultural, and communitydemand——condition of facilities and equipment——maintenance——number of activations within the space——size, shape, and topography——adjacent land uses——amount of vegetation and shade——biodiversity outcomes——safety——sustainability.Greener Places Design Guide / Open space for recreationPerformance indicatorsPerformance indicators are outlined fora range of recreation types below. Theseare not the only types of open space butrepresent a range of opportunities. Theyshould be combined, as multi-use facilities:——local play for the very young (LPY)——local children’s play (LPC)——older children’s activity space (OCA)——youth recreation space (YRS)——local recreation space (LRS)——active recreation space (ARS)——large community outdoor recreation area(LCOR)——fitness and exercise space (FES)——trail and path-based recreation (TPR)——organised sport and recreation (OSR)——off-leash dog exercise area (DEA).DRAF T FOR DISCUSSION19

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1.5Understandingrecreation typesThe fundamental principle ofthe improved approach is toconsider the range of recreationopportunities that should beprovided and then to identifythe solutions for providing themwithin existing public open spacesor in new parks and public spaces.The solutions presented in this guide are providedas examples, not as the definitive suite of options.There are many ways to meet the outcomesrequired, and innovation is encouraged.Types of outdoor recreationDifferent places have different needs. The

Draft Greener Places Design Guide framework provides information on how to design, plan, and implement green infrastructure in urban areas throughout NSW. The draft guide provides a consistent methodology to help State and local government, and industry create a network of green infrastructure. Greener Places explains green infrastructure,