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2004 Smart Growth Summit "Setting the Standard" Friday, November 19th from 8:00AM - 4:00PM |
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Parks and Open Space
Background Public parks are the centerpiece of community life. They are places of gathering and common recreation that provide a retreat from surrounding development. They define the surrounding area, adding an element of serenity to a neighborhood. Forms and functions vary widely, including forests, fields, plazas, squares, circles, landscaped boulevards, greenways, civic centers, waterfront promenades, public gardens, lakes, fountains and more.
Credit must be given to efforts being made to preserve remaining green spaces across Long Island . However, these actions are critical, the importance other types of public space should not be forgotton. As increasing isolation degrades community spirit, community spaces are too often devalued. People spend more and more time at work, in cars and at malls, devoting less and less time to outdoor social activities. Private backyards grow larger and more isolated, while public commons are reduced to ballfields and floodplains.
Guiding Principles • Consider Activities and Uses . Active recreation can be fostered through amenities, such as ice-skating rinks, sitting areas, open spaces, and access to food. People will visit the park that offer clear opportunities to socialize or relax. Consider ways to attract people of all ages throughout the day. • Comfort and Image Attractiveness, cleanliness, and flexibility are keys to good park design. Proper placement of signage and community bulletin boards makes the park a social attraction. Maintenance preserves attractiveness. Shade trees and playgrounds invite families to play and relax. Flexibility, in the form of movable chairs, is also an attractive feature that fosters casual social interaction; people appreciate opportunities to design their own space. • Access and Linkage Successful public spaces are easy to get to and easy to see. They should not be placed near dangerous streets, but should be visible enough to entice those passing by. Parks should be accessible to pedestrians and are ideally serviced by public transit. • Sociability Parks that attract wide ranges of people strengthen communities, providing opportunities to connect with neighbors, and spaces for public events.
Benefits of Creating Good Public Spaces • Attracts tourism • Enhances local cultural by offering opportunities for festivals and art exhibits • Fosters a sense of place and civic pride • Reduces crime by fostering community interaction • Improves public health by encouraging exercise, companionship, and relaxation • Improves the environment by preserving and introducing green space |
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Vision
Long Island |