Neighborhood parks are designed to serve the recreational and social needs of residents living in their immediate vicinity. These parks typically offer basic amenities like play structures for children, benches, open grassy areas, sports courts, a field, and a loop trail, providing convenient opportunities for passive recreation, relaxation, and informal community interaction. They may also include unique landscape features.
Typical Size
3–10
Typical Length of Visit (Hours)
1–2
Typical Access
Large neighborhood parks should be accessible by sidewalks, the city’s bicycle network, and major streets. While still connected to surrounding neighborhoods, they may also have on-site parking.
Evergreen Recreation Center.
María Lamadrid, 2025.
Typical Amenities
Infrastructure
Typical Architectural Elements
Guidelines for Large Neighborhood Park
Zones
Natural Systems
Zones
Recreation Areas
Zones
Casual Use Areas
Zones
Programmable Gathering Areas
Wayfinding
Gateways (Primary & Secondary)
Wayfinding
Gateways (Primary & Secondary)
Wayfinding
Gateways (Primary & Secondary)
Wayfinding
Gateways (Primary & Secondary)
Infrastructure
On-Site Parking
Infrastructure
Accessible Van Parking and Drop-Off
Infrastructure
Bike Parking
Infrastructure
Comfort Facilities
Infrastructure
Shared Parking
Infrastructure
Safe Crossings
Wayfinding
Universal Wayfinding Signage
Infrastructure
Safe Crossings
K-12Programmable gathering isnear support facilities and easy to access from primary gatewaysSeating is abundant and variedStormwater capture is integrated into natural areasAccessible corridor to local school
Context
Streetscape Enhancements
Connectivity
Loop Trail
Connectivity
Internal Walking Trail
Connectivity
Street Grid Connectivity
Connectivity
Safe Routes / Passages
Design
Context
Connectivity
Wayfinding
Infrastructure
Zones
Architectural Elements
Guidelines for Large Neighborhood Park - Architecture
Architectural Recipe
(2-3) Small Elements + (1-2) Medium Elements OR (1) Large Element
Sample Outcomes
