Lombard Park District

Lombard Park District 24 Chapter Two Park Classifi cation Criteria The guidelines outlined within the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) - Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines Manual, were referenced as a part of this planning process. IAPD/NRPA recommends creating a park classifi cation system to serve as a guide for organizing an agency's parks. Mini parks, neighborhood parks, and community parks are three diff erent park classifi cations recognized by IAPD/NRPA. The special use, natural area, and greenway classifi cations are recognized by the NRPA but are not applicable to specifi c level of service analysis. The Park Classifi cation table identifi es the criteria for determining the class for each of the Lombard Park District's parks. The location criteria is defi ned as the recommended barrier-free distance between the park and residential areas. Mini Parks Mini parks are generally designed for families and young children up to the age of 12 and meet the need for a walkable, drop-in open space and recreation experience that is easily accessed by sidewalks, trails, and other accessible routes. These parks also serve the localized community as a gathering and interactive space. Appropriate elements in these parks include play structures, ground play components, and swings. Other site elements can include picnic areas, seating and hardscape surfaces for circulation and game-playing. These parks usually do not include parking. Mini parks located within the Lombard Park District include: • Babcock Grove Memorial Garden • Crescent Tot Lot • Eastview Terrace Park • Edson Park • Water Spray Park Mini parks are classifi ed as open space that addresses limited and unique recreational needs. These parks are located in residential areas where lawns and open space are plentiful, and serve their surrounding neighborhoods. Mini park "service areas" shall not include residents that must cross a planning area boundary to get to the park (examples: major highway, railroad corridor, extreme natural features). These parks tend to be located less than 0.25 mile distance from residential areas. In a residential setting, 0.5 acre of open space designated as a mini park is preferred per every 1,000 people. Typical Mini Park Site Classification General Description Location Criteria Size Criteria Mini Park Used to address limited, isolated, or unique recreational needs. Less than a 0.25 mile distance in a residential setting Between 2,500 SF and one acre in size. Neighborhood Park Neighborhood park remains the basic unit of the park system and serves as the recreational and social focus of the neighborhood. Focus is on informal active and passive recreation. 0.25 to 0.5 mile distance and uninterrupted by non-residential roads and other physical barriers. 1 to 5 acres in size is typical. Community Park Serves broader purpose than neighborhood park. Focus is on meeting community based recreation needs, as well as preserving unique landscapes and open spaces. Determined by the quality and suitability of the site. Usually serves two or more neighborhoods and 0.5 to 3 mile distance. As needed to accommodate desired uses. Usually a minimum of 20 acres. Natural Area Conservation and wildlife areas, wooded areas and waterways that are maintained for the most part in their natural state. Service radius is unlimited. No applicable standard. Special Use Areas for specialized or single prupose recreational activities. Generally designed for active recreation and focus on meeting commuinity based recreation needs. No applicable standard. Variable, depending on desired amenity. Greenway Effectively tie park system components together to form a continuous park environment. Resource availability and opportunity. No applicable standard. Table from NRPA's Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines. Park Classification

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