STANdArdS » 71 PARK CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM As the team evaluated the Coppell park system, they slightly revised the classification of each park by type, size, service area, and acres per 1,000 population. The following seven (7) NrPA classifications for parks were used for this Master Plan: Pocket Park (Mini Park) is used to address limited, isolated or unique recreational needs of concentrated populations. Typically 1/4 mile distance away, the size of a Pocket Park ranges between 2,500 square feet and 1 acre in size. These parks may be either active or passive, but speak to a specific recreational need rather than a particular density. NrPA standards for these parks are .25 to .50 acres per 1,000 population. Neighborhood Parks serve a variety of age groups within a limited area or “neighborhood”. They range in size from 1-15 acres and generally serve residents within a 1/4 to 1/2 mile radius. The neighborhood park is an area for active recreation such as field games, court games, playgrounds, picnicking, etc. Facilities are generally unlighted and there is limited parking, if any, on site. NrPA standards for these parks are 1 to 2 acres per 1,000 population. Community Parks are larger than neighborhood parks and serve several neighborhoods. They range in size from 16-99 acres and serve the entire city. The community park may be a natural area or developed area for a variety of outdoor recreation such as ballfields, playgrounds, boating, fishing, swimming, camping, picnicking, and trail systems. NrPA standards for these parks are 5 to 8 acres per 1,000 population. Metropolitan Parks are large park facilities that serve multiple surrounding communities. They range in size from 100-499 acres and serve the entire city. The metropolitan park is a natural area or developed area for a variety of outdoor recreation such as ballfields, playgrounds, boating, fishing, swimming, camping, picnicking, and trail systems. NrPA standards for these parks are 5 to 10 acres per 1,000 population Regional Parks are very large multi-use parks that serve several communities within a particular region. They range in size from 500 acres and above and serve those areas within a one hour driving distance. The regional park provides both active and passive recreation, with a wide selection of facilities for all age groups. They may also include areas of nature preservation for activities such as sight-seeing, nature study area, wildlife habitat, and conservation areas. NrPA standards for regional parks vary due to the specific site and natural resources. Special Use Areas and parks are for specialized or single purpose recreation activities. NrPA defines these areas such as historical areas, nature centers, marinas, zoos, conservatories, arboretums, arenas, amphitheaters, plazas or community squares. There are no specific standards for size or acreage since each community will vary. Linear Parks are built connections or natural corridors that link parks together. Typically, the linear park is developed for one or more modes or recreational travel such as walking, jogging, biking, in-line skating, hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing. NrPA does not have any specific standards for linear parks other than they should be sufficient to protect the resources and provide maximum usage.
