Intensive Use Areas

Parks and recreation facilities may attract large numbers of users due to the density of their surroundings, their integration into pedestrian and bicycle travel routes, and their use as event and gathering spaces. This high level of usage can impact the integrity of the space. Areas that are expected to be heavily used—for example, near entrances or gathering spaces—should be designed to accommodate that level of use, perhaps incorporating more hardscape areas or more resilient landscape plantings, but still be designed to feel comfortable even when large events are not occurring. Intensive use areas can also serve as a home for community gardens which can help bridge the gap between food deserts in urban areas as well as connect people to the natural environment by creating stewardship of the natural environment.