Chapter 3: Framework for Great Parks

The design of great park spaces should begin with an evaluation of precedent sites. Though each park is unique, the exercise leads to the ability to identify lessons learned while also providing aspirational and inspirational information. Findings can also have direct impact on the development of the program and design of the future North Capital Boulevard Park. The following analysis identifies lessons learned which contribute in the establishment of project goals, objectives and site recommendation

Great parks are more than just places to play. When careful planning and design come together, parks can provide tremendous environmental, economic and social benefits to a community and be beautiful at the same me. NRPA ('Designing the Great Park that Everyone Deserves.' NRPA, September, 2019) notes that in order to achieve this broad level of benefits, parks must be thought of more than just fixed places. Great parks must be designed to balance the needs of all people for all times. Elevating this ideal, parks should be designed with nature and promote the well-being of people while seeking to be financially sustainable for immediate and future needs. NRPA outlines several design principles, cultural influences and trends that contribute to the success of great parks, however, during the early stages of planning and design, three powerful principles can concisely capture the same intent:

Inclusive: Great parks shall be inclusive and equitable. Through the design of welcoming spaces, visitors of all ages, cultures and genders must feel invited and safe. Parks that response to their physical and social surroundings allow for a heightened level of context sensitivity and flexibility to adapt to ever changing needs, therefore promo ng longevity within a community. As democratic spaces, great parks bring emotions to visitors and create life-long memories to those that are affected.

Beautiful: Great parks shall be beautiful. By weaving a community’s fabric of cultures together, great parks spaces are recognized by all and form a fundamental foundation to human purpose and experience. The integration of timeless design principles can often bring long lasting impacts to the enjoyment of spaces. Whether through sensory pleasure elevated by the use of rhythm or proportion, or tactile experiences through the textures of a plan ng or the warmth of the sun in an open space, great parks intertwine emotion and pleasure within the quality of a space to bring about beauty.

Sustainable: Great parks exemplify environmentally responsible strategies. Park spaces that focus on the three pillars of sustainability; environmental, economic and social well-being are often resilient and maintainable through minimum reliance on resources and contribute multiple benefits to community infrastructure and character. Creation of great park spaces through a truly holistic approach, means designing a symphony between nature and humans. Through the embodiment of this principle, great parks work with the environment to serve all people and create an enduring legacy celebrated by users.