Trails or greenways are linear parks or open spaces that provide passive recreation opportunities for pedestrians or bicyclists. Trails or greenways may connect parks, schools, neighborhoods, and businesses together, as well as support both “recreation” and “function” trips between destinations. All greenways should be considered transportation corridors for programing funds or prioritizing improvements. Trails or greenways should be designed within the context of their surrounding environment (e.g., natural, rural, suburban, or urban). Trailheads may be located along a trail or greenway and provide parking lots, drinking fountains, restrooms, or signage needed to support use of the facility.

Athletic fields or sport courts are open spaces sized and designed to support one or more sporting events played by individuals or teams. Some athletic fields or sport courts are designed to accommodate multiple activities in the same location depending upon the season or time of year (e.g., soccer, football, ultimate Frisbee, or lacrosse). A facility typically includes the field or court plus parking lots and one or more ancillary buildings to support the activities. Some locations have lighting for nighttime use. The minimum or maximum size of an athletic field or sport court depends on the number of facilities provided at the location.

Playgrounds are open spaces designed and equipped for children’s play. Playgrounds should be accessible to the public. Some playgrounds may include an open shelter for small community gatherings. Playgrounds should be included in all residential neighborhoods, and may also be appropriate in larger parks, employment centers, or mixed-use developments. There is no minimum or maximum size for a playground.

Common greens are open spaces located in a residential, non-residential, or mixed-use development. They are used primarily for informal recreation or civic purposes. The perimeter of a common green may be defined by landscaping versus buildings and streets, depending upon the context of surrounding development. Greens are less formal, and may be more irregular in shape, compared to public squares or public plazas. Greens include lawns, trees, paved paths, public art, and seating areas. Some may include playgrounds or water bodies. The minimum size of a common green is about 0.5 acres. The maximum size is about 10 acres, but some greens may be larger, encompassing one block or more, based on the size of the development.

Community gardens are comprised of multiple garden plots in one location made available to individuals via membership or lease for small-scale, noncommercial farming. Individual gardens may be raised or fenced, and a small shed may be located adjacent to the garden for short-term storage needs. Other community gardens may include larger sheds on site for shared storage of tools, seed, or fertilizers. Running water is required for a community garden. Community gardens may be dispersed in residential neighborhoods or natural areas. There is no minimum or maximum size for a community garden.

Public squares and plazas are formal open spaces located near the center of activity in a residential, non-residential, or mixed-use development. They are used primarily for informal recreation or civic purposes, and may include temporary (i.e., pop-up) spaces for special events. Buildings and streets frame the outside of a public square or plaza on all sides. Public squares and plazas may include lawns, hardscape materials, trees, paved paths, public art, knee walls, and seating areas. Some public squares may include playgrounds. Larger squares and plazas may include a small commercial space as the focal point of activity. The minimum size of a public square is about 0.5 acres. The maximum size is about 3 acres, but some squares may be larger, encompassing an entire block, based on the size of the development.

Pocket parks are small — sometimes irregular — open spaces located more randomly in a residential, non-residential, or mixed-use development. Multiple pocket parks may be located in a single development. Overall, pocket parks in a development may seem scattered or disconnected from one another because locations are chosen opportunistically. Each park location should be chosen and programmed with consideration of the residents, visitors, or businesses they serve nearby. Pocket parks may include small event space, play areas for children, spaces for relaxing or meeting friends, or places to take lunch breaks. There is no minimum size for a pocket park. The maximum size is usually one acre, but some pocket parks may exceed the maximum size based on the shape or location of the parcel.

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