Industry accepted classification
framework for open space
DRAFT
Executive summary
Introduction
The Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) is seeking feedback on a draft, industry-wide open space
classification framework from professionals working in disciplines such as urban planning, parks and recreation,
landscape design and community development.
Background
Public open space (POS) is managed and planned for existing and future generations for the purpose of public
enjoyment and protection of unique values. Open spaces are secured through development processes, by direct
purchase or gifted to a council/government.
Under the current Department of Planning Liveable Neighbourhoods policy, POS is defined as space contributed
free of cost by the owner through the subdivision process. Numerous descriptions are used including: local;
neighbourhood; district; regional open space; special purpose park; playing field or community purpose site.
Research commissioned by Parks and Leisure Australia WA (PLAWA)1 and DSR2 in 2010 identified increasing
concerns about the lack of clear and consistent terminology to describe and classify POS. While the same terms
were often used (particularly active or passive, local, neighbourhood, district and regional open space), there was
confusion regarding how each was defined and interpreted by professionals in different disciplines.
The open space classification framework presented in the following tables, is the result of an extensive consultation
with local government, the Department of Planning and professional industry groups. A representative reference
group was formed to inform and guide the development of the draft framework.
Purpose
The development of cross-industry accepted terminology to describe POS form and function is considered to be a
critical step in reducing confusion.
Current practice tends to define POS in hierarchical terms relating simply to size. The proposed framework
recognises both size and function as essential considerations in developing well designed, community-focused
open space networks.
It is intended that the proposed classification framework will:
• Encourage local government to adopt common terminology across the industry that will allow assessments of
open space provision both locally and regionally.
• Inform high level policy and urban planning practice.
• Assist to inform the ongoing review of open space elements in Liveable Neighbourhoods guidelines.
It is important to acknowledge that this classification framework is designed to assist planners and developers to
meet community needs through describing aspects of preferred open space provision and to protect and enhance
key open space values.
In some cases the classification framework may need to be expanded within local policies to enable inclusion of
specific sites or local characteristics. The open space sub-groups give an indication of the diversity of open space
functions within the three main types.
Small areas of undefined, residual or special purpose open spaces (less than 0.4ha) are not included in this
classification framework. Inclusion of small spaces within POS allocations is not generally considered optimal
unless these spaces serve a demonstrated functional community purpose.
1
2
Carter, M.E. (2010). Public open space planning in Western Australia: Key issues relating to policy, design and management. Perth, WA: Parks and
Leisure Australia (WA Region).
Curtis, B. (2010). Industry accepted terminology for open space. Perth, WA: Government of Western Australia, Department of Sport and Recreation.
It is also important to recognise that open space and public parks provide numerous urban functions such as
stormwater management, telecommunication infrastructure, depots, etc. These uses have been located within POS
functions across all sizes, however it is essential that features are subordinate to, and do not compromise the main
functional use.
Components of the proposed classification framework
The proposed classification framework has two elements, namely: function and catchment.
Function
Three primary types of open space are identified:
»» Recreation spaces.
»» Sport spaces.
»» Nature spaces.
Catchment
The proposed classification framework consists of four catchments:
»» Local open space.
»» Neighbourhood open space.
»» District open space.
»» Regional open space.
The following tables (1 & 2) include descriptions of each function and catchment with optimal size, and desirable
locations, design components and activity opportunities.
These descriptions are provided as guidelines only and are not intended to be interpreted as prescriptive standards.
Due to space requirements, not all functional types are represented in each catchment. Schematic layouts of local,
neighbourhood, district parks and regional parks are provided in the attachment to give a general impression of
how these parks might appear. The examples are indicative only and should not be used as a design template for
each of the described open spaces.
Table 3 indicates the relationship between function and catchments. Some combinations (e.g. local sport) are
unlikely to function adequately and guidance is given in this regard.
Table 4 indicates park values that open space managers and users will identify, protect and enjoy.
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Table 1:
Open space functions
Recreation spaces
Purpose
To provide a setting for informal recreational and social activities.
Description
Recreation spaces enhance physical and mental health through activity that provides
relaxation, amusement or stimulation. Recreation spaces can be accessed by individuals
or family and friends to play, socialise, exercise, celebrate or participate in other activities
which provide personal satisfaction or intrinsic reward.
Possible sub-types
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Informal recreation.
Corridor link.
Community garden.
Landscape amenity.
Community use (facility).
Urban common/square.
Botanic garden/arboretum.
Sport spaces
Purpose
To provide a setting for formal structured sport activities.
Description
Sport spaces enable formal structured sport activities such as team competitions,
physical skill development and training. Sport spaces are designed to accommodate the
playing surface and infrastructure requirements of specific sports. People attend with
the express purpose of engaging in organised sporting activity, training, competition or
viewing as a spectator.
Possible sub-types
• General sport.
• Specific sport.
Nature spaces
Purpose
To protect and enhance spaces with ecological and biodiversity values.
Description
Spaces managed to protect and enhance environments with ecological and biodiversity
values, such as bushland, coastal, wetlands and riparian habitats, and geological
and natural features. These spaces provide opportunity for low-impact nature-based
recreational activities, such as picnicking, watching, walking, cycling or exploring.
Possible sub-types
• Nature conservation.
• Wildlife corridor.
• Informal recreation node.
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Table 2a:
Open space catchments
Catchment: Local open space (LOS)
Purpose
Local open spaces are small parklands that service the recreation needs of the immediate
residential population.
Access
• <400m or
• 5 minute walk
Size
• 0.4 to 1ha.
Location/design
• LOS should:
* Be located within a five minute walk from surrounding residences.
* Exhibit good, safe pedestrian and cycling connections which maximise accessibility
and connectivity.
* Support good passive surveillance.
* Be responsive to natural site features.
* Build on sense of place.
* Assist to preserve local biodiversity.
Activities
• LOS activities could include:
* Children’s play, dog walking, picnics, friends and family gatherings.
* Relaxation and rest spots.
* Casual team activities.
* Walking, running or cycling.
A shelter with seating provides
opportunities for gathering and socialising
Bench seating within the lawn area provides
opportunities for rest and contemplation
Children’s play area with
seating for supervision
Accessibility is maximised with
disabled access being incorporated
Lawn areas provide opportunity
for casual play and dog walking
Shaded seating for rest
and contemplation
clear view lines
to park
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Table 2b:
Open space catchments
Catchment: Neighbourhood open space (NOS)
Purpose
Neighbourhood open spaces serve as the recreational and social focus of a community.
Residents are attracted by the variety of features and facilities, and opportunities to
socialise. Spaces can also protect specific conservation values.
Access
• Up to 800m.
• Up to 10 minute walk.
Size
• 1 to 5ha.
Location/design
• NOS should:
* Be central to surrounding neighbourhoods.
* Exhibit good, safe pedestrian and cycling connections to maximise accessibility.
* Support good passive surveillance.
* Be responsive to natural site features.
* Build on sense of place.
• NOS may also:
* Be co-located with schools to create a community hub, and form part of an overall
pedestrian and cycling network to connect key destination points.
* Be large enough to enable different activities and uses to occur simultaneously.
Activities
• NOS could include a combination of bushland, open parkland and activity spaces for
casual play.
• Where possible, NOS should accommodate biodiversity principles and environmental
management goals.
• NOS may include sport facilities, depending on ability to accommodate desirable field
dimensions and necessary supporting amenity.
Possible youth space encourages
diversity of uses
Perimeter pathway to park
maximises accessibility networks
both to the park and within the park
Children’s play area with seating
and shade
Grassed area allows for casual play
opportunities such as kite flying,
kicking a ball, or playing with the
family dog
Clear view lines
to park
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Table 2c:
Open space catchments
Catchment: District open space (DOS)
Purpose
District open spaces primarily provide for organised formal sport, recreation and
conservation protection for the surrounding neighbourhoods.
In regional WA these spaces provide for the wider district.
Access
• Up to 2km.
• Up to a five minute drive.
• Serves several neighbourhoods.
Size
• 5 to 20ha
Location/design
• DOS should:
* Be located central to the catchment to maximise accessibility.
* Be located on district distributor roads with good passive surveillance.
* Be serviced by public transport networks.
* Accommodate the recommended dimensions and supporting amenity for formal
sport and recreation.
• DOS may also:
* Be co-located with a school or other community facilities to create a community hub.
* Provide a significant visual break in the urban environment, particularly along major
thoroughfares.
Activities
• DOS may:
* Include a combination of bushland, open parkland for casual play and space for
organised sport.
* Consist of sufficient space to accommodate a variety of concurrent uses, including:
organised sports, children’s play, picnicking, exercising the dog, social gatherings
and individual activities.
* Accommodate multiple clubs.
• Where possible, DOS should serve to accommodate biodiversity principles and
environmental management goals.
Perimeter pathway
to park maximises
accessibility
Park perimeter
pathway and internal
network provides
maximum accessibility
Car park to
accommodate
park users
The opportunity for
a multi-use corridor
exists by incorporating
shallow drainage swale
opportunities with the
linear grassed open
space
Bocce courts
Multi-use sports
field for both
summer and
winter sports
Area with shade
and park furniture
Half field for
rectangular training
Car park to
accommodate
park users
Baseball field
DRAFT
Club/community
facilities
Clear view lines
into park
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Table 2d:
Open space catchments
Catchment: Regional open space (ROS)
Purpose
Regional open space should accommodate significant and important recreation, organised
sport, conservation and environmental features. ROS needs to achieve a balance of
functions for surrounding districts.
Access
• Majority of users are likely to drive.
• Serves one or more geographical regions.
Size
• Size dependant on function.
• Where a sporting need is identified, sporting space >20ha in area should be included
within ROS.
Location/design
• Location of ROS is usually determined by resource availability and opportunities to utilise
and/or protect the space.
• ROS should be well connected to major road and public transport networks.
• ROS is allocated outside the structure planning process by the Western Australian
Planning Commission in consultation with local government.
Activities
• Areas allocated as ROS have the capacity to accommodate required field dimensions
for junior and adult fixtures, and appropriate supporting amenity.
• ROS should be large enough to accommodate various concurrent uses, including
organised sports, children’s play, picnicking, bush walking, and protection of
environmental features.
• Where possible, ROS should accommodate biodiversity principles and environmental
management goals.
• ROS is highly likely to attract visitors from outside any one local government area.
Bushland
Lake
Bushland
REGIONAL PARK
DRAFT
0
50
100
150m
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Table 3: Desired provision
Catchment
Function
Local
Neighbourhood
District
Regional
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Sport
Undesirable
Limited
Preferred
Preferred
Nature
Limited
Yes
Yes
Preferred
Recreation
Table 4: Park values
Park values are those qualities of open space that contribute to the overall functioning of an open space network.
These values need to be protected and enhanced during the classification process, and subsequent planning,
management and maintenance functions.
• Informal recreation
• Ecological
• Educational/interpretation
• Community focus
• Visual landscape
• Water cycle
• Sporting
• Indigenous • Economic/tourism
• Linkage
• Historic
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