CPRE Planning and Design 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which planning document establishes the long-range vision and policy framework for a park and recreation system over a 10–20 year horizon?
- Capital improvement plan
- Comprehensive parks and recreation master plan (Correct answer)
- Annual operating budget
- Site development plan
Correct answer: Comprehensive parks and recreation master plan
A comprehensive parks and recreation master plan sets the long-range vision, goals, and policy direction for the entire system.
Question 2: A park planner is evaluating trail alignment options using a Geographic Information System (GIS). Which analytical method best identifies the path of least environmental impact?
- Suitability analysis using weighted overlay (Correct answer)
- Break-even analysis
- Delphi method
- SWOT analysis
Correct answer: Suitability analysis using weighted overlay
Weighted overlay suitability analysis in GIS combines multiple environmental data layers to identify areas most appropriate for development.
Question 3: Under ADA standards for accessible routes in parks, what is the maximum running slope permitted for a pathway that is not classified as a ramp?
- 1:12 (8.33%)
- 1:20 (5%) (Correct answer)
- 1:16 (6.25%)
- 1:10 (10%)
Correct answer: 1:20 (5%)
ADA guidelines specify a maximum running slope of 1:20 (5%) for accessible routes that are not designated ramps.
Question 4: When conducting a needs assessment for a new aquatic facility, which data source most directly measures community demand?
- Regional demographic census data
- Comparative analysis of peer agency facilities
- Community survey measuring participation interest and willingness to pay (Correct answer)
- Operational cost benchmarks from similar facilities
Correct answer: Community survey measuring participation interest and willingness to pay
A community survey directly captures residents' interest, preferences, and willingness to pay, providing the most direct measure of demand.
Question 5: A recreation planner must site a new community center. Which principle of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is applied by orienting the building entrance toward the street?
- Territorial reinforcement
- Natural surveillance (Correct answer)
- Activity support
- Access control
Correct answer: Natural surveillance
Natural surveillance is achieved by positioning windows, entrances, and activity areas so that users and passers-by can easily observe the space.
Question 6: In park design, what is the primary purpose of a 'buffer zone' between a passive recreation area and an adjacent residential neighborhood?
- To increase leasable square footage
- To mitigate noise, light, and visual impacts on neighbors (Correct answer)
- To satisfy stormwater detention requirements
- To provide additional athletic field space
Correct answer: To mitigate noise, light, and visual impacts on neighbors
Buffer zones use landscaping, berms, or fencing to reduce noise, glare, and visual intrusion on adjacent land uses.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes 'universally designed' play equipment compared to ADA-compliant equipment?
- Universal design exceeds ADA minimums by creating spaces usable by people of all abilities without special adaptation (Correct answer)
- Universal design applies only to indoor facilities while ADA covers outdoor spaces
- ADA compliance is stricter than universal design standards
- They are legally identical terms under federal law
Correct answer: Universal design exceeds ADA minimums by creating spaces usable by people of all abilities without special adaptation
Universal design goes beyond ADA minimums by intentionally creating environments that all people can use fully and independently without modification.
CPRE Planning and Design 4
Which planning document establishes the long-range vision and policy framework for a park and recreation system over a 10–20 year horizon?