|
Have you wondered about the wide range
of design and program possibilities for an open space in your
neighborhood? The Urban Open Space Foundation has created
a checklist that may help your good open space become a great
one.
The Open Space Checklist: A Tool
for Great Parks and Natural Areas is now available from
UOSF by request. Thought-provoking questions help you and
others in your community thoroughly evaluate goals and needs
of citizens. The checklist guides thinking in key decision
areas.
Inclusivity-ensuring that people
with different skills, knowledge or perspectives are included
in the decision-making process
Making Connections-considering
your community's open space in relationship to regional
environmental issues, the local economy, broad social goals
and local community assets (libraries, community centers,
historic sites, affordable housing)
Park Users-targeting open space
design and programming to the neighborhood's diverse
population (young children, teenagers, school groups, senior
citizens, citizens from different cultures, citizens with
physical or cognitive disabilities, employees from area businesses)
Access-investigating barriers
to site and activity access for park users.
Safety-considering potential
safety issues in site design and programming
Sense of Place-making certain
the space meaningfully reflects community life and values
so that park users feel at home in the space
Quality of Life-improving the
quality of services, experiences and opportunities citizens
have where they live and work.
|
