Community parks are designed to serve the recreational and social needs of residents from several neighborhoods. These parks typically offer a variety of amenities such as playgrounds, sports courts and fields, picnic areas, and walking paths, catering to diverse age groups and interests. They often serve as central gathering places, fostering social interaction and physical activity.
Typical Size
10–20
Typical Length of Visit (Hours)
1–2
Typical Access
Community parks should be accessible via the city’s trail network, sidewalks, and major streets. Because they serve a broader area, these parks should provide on-site parking for visitors arriving from greater distances.
Basketball and tennis courts are among the many amenities available at Leland Recreation Center.
City of LA Department of Recreation and Parks, accessed 2025.
Typical Amenities
Infrastructure
Typical Architectural Elements
Guidelines for Community Park
Zones
Casual Use Areas
Zones
Programmable Gathering Areas
Zones
Recreation Areas
Zones
Intensive Use Areas
Connectivity
Seamless Public Space
Wayfinding
Gateways (Primary and Secondary)
Infrastructure
On-Site Parking
Infrastructure
Bike Parking
Infrastructure
Comfort Facilities
Infrastructure
Accessible Parking and Drop-Off
Infrastructure
Transit Stop
Infrastructure
Shared Parking
Infrastructure
Safe Crossings
Infrastructure
Safe Crossings
Wayfinding
Gateways (Primary and Secondary)
Wayfinding
Gateways (Primary and Secondary)
Zones
Natural Systems
Seating is abundant and variedAccessible corridor to local institutionsNatural area includes a unique landscape feature
Context
Streetscape Enhancements
Connectivity
Loop Trail
Connectivity
Internal Walking Trail
Design
Context
Connectivity
Wayfinding
Infrastructure
Zones
Architectural Elements
Guidelines for Community Park - Architecture
Architectural Recipe
(2-3) Small Elements + (1-2) Medium Elements + (1) Large Element
Sample Outcomes
