Park Planning, Design and Development

Park Category Descriptions

PARK CATEGORY	SIZE IN ACRES	SERVICE AREA	DESCRIPTION
Neighborhood Serving:
Neighborhood Parks	5 to 10 acres	1/2 mile	A park intended to be used primarily by the people who live nearby,within a half-mile radius of the park. Some neighborhood parks are situated adjacent to an elementary school and improvements are usually oriented toward the recreation needs of children. In addition to landscaping, improvements might include a tot lot, adventure area, and unlighted sport fields or courts.
Urban plazas/ pocket parks	Less than 5 acres	1/2 mile	A specialized neighborhood park or facility to be used primarily by persons living, working or visiting nearby. Likely more appropriate for areas of denser urban and mixed use development. Amenities may include: smaller scale features such as community gardens, children’s play areas, sitting areas, tables, fountains, hardscape, public art, walkways and landscaping.
Primary Design Elements			Basic landscaping/irrigation/turf/trees; site furniture/walkways/entry improvements/signage/drinking fountain; children’s play area (tot lot and adventure area); picnic area with shade structure; sport court; sports field
PARK CATEGORY	SIZE IN ACRES	SERVICE AREA	DESCRIPTION
Community Serving:
Community Parks	10 to 60 acres	2-3 miles;drivable from several neighborhoods	A park or facility developed primarily to meet the requirements of a large portion of the City. In addition to neighborhood park amenities, a community park may include: a large group picnic area with shade structure, a community garden, a neighborhood/community Skate Park, restroom, on-site parking, bicycle trail, a nature area, a dog park, lighted sport fields or sport courts. Specialized facilities may also be found in a community park including: a community center, a water play area and/or a swimming pool. Some of the smaller community parks may be dedicated to one use, and some elements of the park may be leased to community groups.
Primary Design Elements			All Neighborhood Park primary design elements; water element; field lighting; sports complex; amphitheater; restroom; parking lot; nature area
PARK CATEGORY	SIZE IN ACRES	SERVICE AREA	DESCRIPTION
Citywide/ Regionally Serving:
Regional Parks	Varies; generally larger than comm. parks and/or have destination attraction(s)	Citywide & beyond	A park or facility developed with a wide range of amenities, which are not found in neighborhood or community parks to meet the needs of the entire City population. In addition to those amenities found in neighborhood and community parks, improvements may include: a golf course, marina, amusement area, zoo, and other region-wide attractions. Some facilities in the park may be under lease to community groups.
Open Space/ Parkways	Varies.	N/A	Open spaces are natural areas that are set aside primarily to enhance the City's environmental amenities. Recreational use of these areas may be limited to natural features of the sites, such as native plant communities or wildlife habitat. Parkways are similar to open space areas because they also have limited recreational uses. They are used primarily as corridors for pedestrians and bicyclists, linking residential areas to schools, parks and trail systems. Parkways are typically linear and narrow and may be situated along a waterway, abandoned railroad, or other common corridor.

Park Planning and Development Services Division: (916) 808-5200
Address: 915 I Street, Fifth Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814

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