Public Open Space Guidelines 2.17 Mb - Devonport City Council

2. Devonport’s public open space classification system and itsapplication.Devonport City Council has developed a public open space classificationsystem that is based on best practice using a combination of models used acrosslocal governments nationally. The classification system is to be applied whenplanning, designing, constructing and maintaining new and existing open space.It is designed to achieve the following objectives:• Definition of a space;• Response to the particular site values and opportunities;• Response to demonstrated community need or aspirations;• Ensure a diversity of opportunities;• Appropriate levels of development; and• Appropriate maintenance regimes.The classification system is three tiered, and requires consideration of theHierarchy, Function and Landscape Character of each particular space. Thismeans that every space has three “labels” that are used to define it. Diversitycan be achieved by maximizing combinations of these.In some instances it may be appropriate to allocate more than one Function orLandscape Character to a site, depending on its size and complexity, but allpublic open space sites should have at least one predominant Function andLandscape Character.The specific details of the Function and Landscape Character identified for eachsite should then be selected to maximise diversity and accepted maintenanceregimes.Things to consider when developing/redeveloping public open space:• Repetition of play equipment in parks should be avoided;• If there are a number of parks within a precinct which have the same function,they should have different Landscape Characters;• An open space identified as having a Family/Social Recreation Function doesnot imply that it must have play equipment. Other forms of play could bemade available or could occur naturally;• Opportunities to take advantage of naturally occurring features that differ fromplace to place should be maximised and is encouraged;• Opportunities to supply various Functions and Landscape Characters within anarea.PART B: PUBLIC OPEN SPACE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM PAGE 2