Park Planning and Design Flashcards

An environmental impact assessment for a new park facility is required under NEPA when:

Answer: A federal nexus such as funding or permits exists

NEPA triggers an environmental review whenever a proposed action involves federal funding, permits, or land, requiring assessment of environmental effects.

Which green infrastructure element is specifically designed to capture and filter stormwater runoff in park settings?

Answer: Bioswale

Bioswales are vegetated channels designed to slow, filter, and absorb stormwater runoff, improving water quality and reducing flooding.

A community needs assessment for park planning should gather data from which combination of sources?

Answer: A mix of community surveys, focus groups, usage data, and stakeholder interviews

A comprehensive needs assessment triangulates quantitative data with qualitative input for a complete picture of community needs.

Joint-use agreements with schools benefit park agencies primarily by:

Answer: Expanding public access to facilities without requiring the park agency to build or own them

Joint-use agreements allow communities to share facilities like gyms and fields, increasing public access to recreation space at lower capital cost.

CPTED principles applied to parks include:

Answer: Designing open sight lines, adequate lighting, and clear boundaries that naturally deter criminal activity

CPTED uses physical design strategies — visibility, lighting, defined spaces — to reduce opportunities for crime without relying solely on enforcement.

A trail feasibility study should primarily assess:

Answer: Connectivity to destinations, user demand, terrain, environmental impacts, and cost

Trail feasibility studies evaluate connectivity, user demand, topography, environmental constraints, and development costs to determine viability.