Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Master Plan

2-2 Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Master Plan Section Two – Recreation Facility Needs Assessment 2014 Downtown Park (acreage varies) These are typically smaller developed sites located in Pleasanton’s core downtown area. These areas provide a landscaped respite from busy downtown streets and often offer places to sit and space for performers and vendors. Downtown Parks generally serve three (3) categories:  Downtown destination parks which are signature parks of interest to the broad community  Downtown parks where neighborhood involvement in activities and programming is most appropriate  Small public spaces or beauty spots which are small islands within the urban environment and present opportunities to enhance the City’s character and identity Neighborhood Parks (up to 10 acres of parkland) Neighborhood Parks are intended to serve City residents who live in close proximity; however they also contribute to the overall park system available to the entire community. Ideally, everyone in the City would live within convenient walking distance (typically one‐half mile) of a Neighborhood Park. This is defined as the “service radius” or “service area” of a neighborhood park. Neighborhood Parks should address daily recreation needs of the surrounding neighborhood; features of neighborhood parks might include playgrounds, multi‐purpose open turf areas, practice sports fields, picnic tables and/or picnic shelters, walking paths, attractive landscaping, and recreation features such as basketball courts. A size of five (5) acres or more is considered appropriate to serve a neighborhood of approximately 1,000 residents within its service area. Community Parks (10 acres or more) Community Parks can provide a broad range of both passive and active recreational opportunities, but their primary purpose is to provide active recreational opportunities for use by a larger segment of the population than neighborhood parks. Community Parks are generally considered to serve several neighborhoods within a two‐mile radius. If a Community Park is located within a residential area it can also serve a Neighborhood Park function and, therefore, is included in the service area analysis for Neighborhood Parks. Recreation buildings or centers are important features in some Community Parks. These are building facilities that may contain features such as gymnasiums, multi‐purpose rooms, classrooms, and offices for recreation staff. Other facilities often found at Community Parks might include sports fields, sports courts, amphitheaters, and group picnic areas. Large special events such as concerts and festivals might also be held in larger Community Parks. Recreation Area (no acreage minimum) This park type will supplement Neighborhood and Community Parks, serving broader citywide recreation needs. Recreation Areas contain various assets, often for active recreation, and are programmed accordingly. Many also have designated natural areas. Restroom facilities and off‐street parking are generally provided for users. Geographic range of users is citywide. Natural Area/Greenbelt Natural Areas/Greenbelts are established for the protection and stewardship of wildlife, habitat, and other natural systems support functions. Some natural areas are accessible for low‐impact use. Minimal infrastructure may include access and signage, where it will not adversely impact habitat or natural systems functions. Larger natural areas may have small sections developed to serve a Community Park function. For the purposes of defining this park type, “natural” refers to vegetation and land forms indigenous to the area; turf, irrigated manufactured slopes, detention basins, weedy disturbed areas, and areas landscaped with ornamental vegetation would be considered part of the