Lesson 6: Green Spaces PDF

UEPM 103 – GREEN AND ECOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN URBAN PLANNING FINALS – LECTURE- LESSON 1 PREPARED BY: DESIEREE A. DE ARO LESSON 6: GREEN SPACES Definitions: Public Open Space – land that is set aside for public recreation and leisure, as parklan...

UEPM 103 – GREEN AND ECOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN URBAN PLANNING FINALS – LECTURE- LESSON 1 PREPARED BY: DESIEREE A. DE ARO LESSON 6: GREEN SPACES Definitions: Public Open Space – land that is set aside for public recreation and leisure, as parklands, or for similar purposes. - often refers to the land that is provided by the government; - Examples: Rizal Park in Manila, Burnham Park in Baguio City, Ninoy Aquino Wildlife Park in Quezon City, Rainforest Park in Pasig City, parks that are normally found in residential subdivisions and foreshore easements along beaches in coastal areas. Active open space – land set aside for the primary purpose of formal outdoor sports by the community, such as city-owned basketball courts and playgrounds Passive open space – open space that is set aside for parks, gardens, linear corridors, conservation areas, nature reserves, public squares, and community gardens that are made available for passive recreation, play, and unstructured physical activity. Examples: town plazas, city parks, easements along rivers and creeks, and National Forest Reserves Privately-owned Public Open Spaces (POPOS) - it may also be privately owned but made available for use by the public - these are publicly accessible open spaces in the form of plazas, pedestrian promenades, small parks and even sitting areas which are provided and maintained by private developers or homeowners’ associations. Benefits of Public Opens Spaces or Green Spaces - open and green spaces are essential for enhancing the livability of an area and improving the quality of life of its residents. Easy access to well-designed and diverse open and green spaces will not only assist only in managing the negative impact of rapid and massive urbanization and population growth but also enhance the benefits that open space provides. There is a large body of international research and knowledge of the wide-ranging benefits of open and green space. These include: 1. Social benefits - Connects and builds strong communities by providing opportunities for local people to come together for a range of leisure, recreational, cultural, and celebratory activities; - Enhances opportunities for social cohesion and inclusion to bring together and reduce social isolation; - Improves livability in urban environments by offering affordable recreation opportunities for all sectors of the community, including low-income families; - Develops children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development by encouraging interaction with plants and animals. Farming and gardening for pre-schoolers is a great way to teach the next generation about how people and the environment interact; - Transforms dilapidated spaces in poor conditions such as vacant and neglected buildings into a place of opportunities, recreation, and places where food can grow. It may stop the encroachment of squatter settlements upgrade ramshackle homes, and introduce public services and transit options; - Welcomes users to use the green spaces to work, study and eat and be integrated and part of the community; - Links young and old people of different cultures to work together and encourage diversity, interaction, and new negotiations. 2. Health and aesthetic benefits - Encourage physical activity and free-range play for children; - Offers a very calm and beautiful ambiance a way to escape from turmoil in life. - Plays an important role in helping to prevent mental health disorders, and helping people who already have them. It also assists in recovery from mental fatigue and helps reduce the risks of developing chronic disease; Disclaimer: This handout is solely for educational purposes and is a reference to be used by the students enrolled in this subject only. Uploading or distribution of e-copies of this material without the consent of the author is prohibited. UEPM 103 – GREEN AND ECOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN URBAN PLANNING FINALS – LECTURE- LESSON 1 PREPARED BY: DESIEREE A. DE ARO - Inspires people to do excellent work and enhances children's development and well-being - Reduces anxiety and helps children with ADHD to gain better focus and gain better cognitive skills; - Minimizes stress level, decreases negative mood, and reduces feelings of depression. Open and green spaces near hospitals function not just as attractive views but also help patients recover easily; - Fights pollution and helps citizens become healthier, and have a more pleasant disposition. Studies show that the presence of more open and green spaces in an urban area leads to happier and more satisfied individuals in life; - Increases the supply of produce and improves food security to help remove problems in hunger. 3. Ecological benefits - Protection of areas of conservation, biodiversity, and cultural heritage; - Reduction of air and noise pollution. Trees remove carbon dioxide, filter air pollution, and produce oxygen. They also absorb rainwater, UV radiation, and noise; - Management of climate change impacts by providing shade and cooling, contributing to urban heat abatement, and serving as disaster evacuation centers; - Decrease in water and energy consumption and reduction in waste generation by creating open and green spaces rather than high-rise buildings; - Access to nature and promotion of walkability and “bikeability” by creating greenways that will help decongest crowded sidewalks and roads. - Provisioning services: food, fresh water, fuel wood, fiber, biochemical, genetic resources - Regulating services: sequestration and climate by providing shade and cooling, contributing to urban heat abatement, contributing to stormwater management. - Cultural services: ecotourism, spiritual and religious recreation - Supporting services to ecosystem functions: seed dispersal, soil formation, and nutrient cycling. - Serve as wildlife corridors, linking together larger parks, and providing links to rural areas located in the outskirts of towns and cities. - The use of native plants and tree species helps manage stormwater, restore watersheds, manage nutrient loading, mitigate habitat impacts, increase wildlife habitat, and offer opportunities for public education. 4. Economic benefits - Parks are major attractions for recreation and tourism industries and significant sources of revenue and employment for local communities; - Locals can be asked to take an active role in building and constructing parks, and open and green spaces, especially in poor communities; - Active open spaces, especially in sports fields, serve the same purpose by attracting participants and spectators beyond the local area and thus have a significant contribution to the inflow of economic benefits; - Studies show that they slow down traffic and improve property values. The more people who will ultimately utilize a space, the higher the likelihood of both civic and private investment in it; - They serve as an avenue where young and old people, poor or elite work together, exchange ideas, and discourse common issues. This encourages social mobility and economic opportunity that may result in an improved reputation of the community/neighborhood. 5. Security benefits - Well-kept lawns and community plots encourage more people to spend time outside their homes and in those spaces, leading to a greater degree of informal surveillance of the area and deterring crime; - Planting and well-tended lawns tens to attract more positive attention and convey a stronger government presence; - Visible maintenance of shared spaces presents a sign of social capital and cohesion that might avert lawlessness and promote a safer environment. Moreover, users of well-maintained open and green spaces seem to feel a sense of stewardship by picking up trash and maintaining the area clean; Disclaimer: This handout is solely for educational purposes and is a reference to be used by the students enrolled in this subject only. Uploading or distribution of e-copies of this material without the consent of the author is prohibited. UEPM 103 – GREEN AND ECOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN URBAN PLANNING FINALS – LECTURE- LESSON 1 PREPARED BY: DESIEREE A. DE ARO - Studies show that paths lined with open and green spaces seemed to have a decreased number of road rage incidents. Settings where Open and Green Spaces are Necessary - The planning and design for open and green spaces requires an understanding of individual cities or municipalities as a whole and the actual location and setting within which the proposed open and green spaces are to be located. - Most of our cities and municipalities have different types of settlements or settings, each with distinctive characteristics that influence what type of open and green spaces are required and how these may be provided. - The settings may be classified according to their geographic location relative to the city/municipal boundary, and to their distinctive characteristics, as follows: a. Urban built-up areas – these are well established in the traditional center of the city or municipality. They are usually transversed by major inter-city roads and are the areas where the “downtown” or “central business district" is located. b. Growth areas - these are areas at the fringe of the urban built-up areas where further urban growth and expansion is expected or already taking place. They include the lands that may be occupied by large industries or commercial farms but may be no longer relevant for such uses because of urbanization and commercial development. c. Peri-urban areas – these are lands that are non-urban but are close to cities’ and towns’ growth areas. They have a relationship to the urban areas that surround as well as the hinterland in which they are located. d. Regional areas – these include a cluster of cities and municipalities that focus on their collective economy, employment, and the management of their natural resources and environmental assets. They include urban built-up areas, growth areas and peri-urban areas. e. Rural areas – these include smaller municipalities and farming communities. These areas include peri-urban areas where some residential communities already exist and the growth boundary expands into the rural countryside. Different Types of Open Space - It depends on the following: Land ownership (public land, national government-owned land, provincial government-owned land, city/municipality-owned land, privately owned land) Use or function (sports field, conservation or protection land, heritage conservation, drainage, utility easement) Vegetation or topography (floodplain, river basin, forestland, ridgeline) Visitor or user catchment area (national, regional, district, local) Disclaimer: This handout is solely for educational purposes and is a reference to be used by the students enrolled in this subject only. Uploading or distribution of e-copies of this material without the consent of the author is prohibited. UEPM 103 – GREEN AND ECOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN URBAN PLANNING FINALS – LECTURE- LESSON 1 PREPARED BY: DESIEREE A. DE ARO Categories/Descriptions Primary Use Examples of Potential Secondary Use 1. Conservation and Heritage Land is primarily set aside to Conservation, protection, or - unstructured recreational protect and enhance areas with enhancement of a highly valuable activities may be accommodated significant biodiversity, biodiversity, environmental, provided there is no impact on environmental, disaster disaster management, and/or environmentally sensitive or management, and cultural value. cultural value heritage conservation areas, such Examples: protected areas, as walking and cycling. disaster danger zones, cultural - nature/heritage appreciation heritage conservation sites, - scientific study national forest/parks, key biodiversity areas, critical habitat, local conservation areas 2. Natural and Semi-natural Landscapes and Amenities Land is set aside or add or protect Enhancement or protection of the - recreational activities compatible the character of an area, including natural or semi-natural character with the natural, semi-natural or areas with environmental and/or or attractiveness of an area landscape values may be heritage of value. Examples: wetlands, mangroves, accommodated, such as walking, historic sites, ridgelines, public cycling, nature appreciation beaches - nature conservation, protection, and enhancement. 3. Parklands and Gardens Lands that may have some Established for a range of - community events modifications to support structured and unstructured - community gardens community social interactions, activities, community recreation, - picnics unstructured recreation, and and cultural activities. - wedding/celebration well-being uses, including for Examples: landscaped parklands - play nature appreciation and reflection and gardens, formal lawn areas, open lawns, pocket parks, playgrounds, botanical gardens, meditation nodes. 4. Linear parks and Open Space Linear reserves are usually on or Primarily provided to ensure - walking and cycling trails alongside rivers and creeks, effective functioning or natural - horseback riding/bridle trails drainage easements, foreshores, processes such as drainage, and - informal recreation and some utility easements (i.e. access to utility lines. - nature appreciation pipelines, powerlines, railway - linear open space may also reserves) provide links to broader open space network, community or activity hubs and/or other areas of interest 5. Active Open Spaces Land which has been modified to Established primarily for - may accommodate unstructured support structured sports and structures team sports and active community or individual use when recreation recreation in an outdoor setting, not required for primary use. including training and competition. - may include informal lawns, play, Generally includes built picnic and other facilities in the infrastructure to support peripheral areas. competition. - community and cultural events Examples: soccer pitch, baseball Emergency evacuation areas fields, athletics, tracks, open Disclaimer: This handout is solely for educational purposes and is a reference to be used by the students enrolled in this subject only. Uploading or distribution of e-copies of this material without the consent of the author is prohibited. UEPM 103 – GREEN AND ECOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN URBAN PLANNING FINALS – LECTURE- LESSON 1 PREPARED BY: DESIEREE A. DE ARO basketball courts, open tennis - Buffering areas courts 6. Civic spaces Land which has been modified to Established primarily to provide - al fresco dining support a range of formal and for family and community - entertainment shows informal activities activities, gatherings and events. - public expositions Examples: plazas, civic squares, outdoor promenades City/town fiestas/festivals, outdoor concerts, community gatherings, passive use by people 7. Utilities and Services Land is reserved for urban and Reserved primarily for - in some instances, such land non-urban infrastructure for infrastructure utilities and services may be available for community utilities and services. Examples: main water pipelines, recreation use when not being powerline easements, easements used for its primary purpose along rivers and creeks, - linear parks/trails cemeteries/memorial areas, - habitat corridors/refuge railway line buffer - sports fields 8. Coastal areas and Beaches Open space areas that form part Conservation of natural areas and of a foreshore, or parkland coastal systems Beach-related activities Protection from storm surges and tsunamis VISITOR OR USER CATCHMENT AREA - Catchment – refers to a sphere of influence of open space in terms of travel, use, and its role within the open space system. - it can be explained using distance (e.g. walkability distance), travel time, the role of the site, scale, quality, and level of service, and in some cases even subsequent maintenance and resourcing required for effective asset management. - Provides a helpful planning tool for local government units as well as private developers of large mixed-use real estate developments to establish a successful open space system and to develop individual open space sites. 1. Small or local parks - open space serving a small catchment area such that users are within safe walking distance. This could be in the range of 150 m to 300 m, depending on the population density and the presence of barriers. - less than 0.50 hectares, minimum width of 30m - examples: parklands, gardens, plazas, and civic spaces. 2. Neighborhood parks - with a walking distance of 400 m to 500m from houses - size: from 0.75 to 1 hectare, with a minimum width of 50m to achieve a reasonably proportioned open space - example: parklands, gardens, plazas, and civic spaces. 3. Sub-district parks - size: 5-6 hectares. ; serving 3 neighborhoods. - generally provide several creational nodes offering a wide range of opportunities including sporting facilities - passive recreation provision is important either as the primary function or to complement a sporting use. Disclaimer: This handout is solely for educational purposes and is a reference to be used by the students enrolled in this subject only. Uploading or distribution of e-copies of this material without the consent of the author is prohibited. UEPM 103 – GREEN AND ECOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN URBAN PLANNING FINALS – LECTURE- LESSON 1 PREPARED BY: DESIEREE A. DE ARO 4. District parks - size: 10 hectares, serving around 6 neighborhoods or a population catchment area of 15, 000 to 25, 000 people - generally provide for a wide range of formal and informal recreational activities including facilities for organized sports and passive use of open space - accessible to residents by safe walking and cycling routes, where provided beyond 1km from residences, can also be accessed by public transport or motor vehicles. - Example: sports field and conservation reserves 5. Municipal parks - ideally located at a minimum of 2 km from residences; provides the needs of the whole city or municipality; will require access by public transport or motor vehicle, and provision of parking. - size: minimum of 3 hectares - may be specialized for specific sporting infrastructure; informal recreation and passive activities should be provided 6. Regional parks - including and beyond the municipality, including neighboring municipalities - size: 10 to 30 hectares - includes important sites of historical, cultural, or environmental significance 7. National parks - serving intra-regional catchment or the entire country - usually associated with site-specific environmental, cultural or landscape values - usually managed by the national government, in some cases in partnership with the host local government unit ❖ The open space planning and design process needs to consider the full range of open space types and catchments to ensure that the land is fit for the purpose. This will ensure that a mix opportunity is provided for community use and that the full range of social, environmental and economic benefits can be achieved. ❖ Planning for open and green spaces should also consider the choice of species since simply going native has a meaningful effect on the survival of birds, insects and other animals; hence adding more benefits to the community. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OPEN AND GREEN SPACES Land Capability Assessment - This process is necessary when one or more of the following are involved: a. The site is more than 5 hectares and a significant portion will be developed; b. Road construction is involved; and c. The average slope of the site is over 10 degrees and a significant portion of the site will be developed. - An initial assessment is necessary which will involve determining the erosion risk and general limitations of the slope and soil characteristics. A further or full assessment will also be necessary, which involves: a. Determining the engineering risks the proposed development may encounter; b. Determining the mitigation measures to contain any problems; c. Assessing the cost, required land or other limitations arising from the mitigation measures; and d. Reviewing the appropriateness of the proposed land use in the light of the preceding analysis. Land suitability – the assessment of how suitable a particular site is for a particular used, and depends on land capability and a range of other factors such as proximity to centers of population, land tenure, attractiveness of landscapes, heritage, cultural value, and consumer demand. These require that public open space be: a. Provided along foreshores, rivers, creeks and permanent water bodies; b. Linked to existing or proposed future public open spaces where possible; Disclaimer: This handout is solely for educational purposes and is a reference to be used by the students enrolled in this subject only. Uploading or distribution of e-copies of this material without the consent of the author is prohibited. UEPM 103 – GREEN AND ECOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN URBAN PLANNING FINALS – LECTURE- LESSON 1 PREPARED BY: DESIEREE A. DE ARO c. Integrated with floodways and unencumbered land that is accessible for public recreation; d. Suitable for the intended use; e. Of an area and dimensions to allow easy adaptation to different uses in response to cnaging community active and passive recreation preferences; - When considering land suitability as open and green space, it is important to consider whether the land is fit for the purpose of the intended open and green space use. - The provision of suitable land for the establishment of open and green space is prescribed by some national laws and is an important requirement that many local government units face in the assessment of the development application. - In other countries, it is required that unencumbered land that is suitable for open and green space development be provided in addition to encumbered land. - Encumbered land – land that is not suited for development purposes. It includes easements for powerlines, waterways/drainage, floodwater retention ponds, wetlands, landfill, conservation and heritage areas. However, this land may be used for a range of activities such as walking trails and sports fields, but this not provided as a substitute for public open space requirements. However, encumbered land may be assessed for open and green space such as the following: Type of Encumbrance Open spaces uses that might be suitable Flood-prone land/Disaster danger - could be a part of a linear reserve or easement along rivers and zone creeks - could be an informal active recreation and/or sports training ground. Drainage basin - depending on flooding frequency, could be informal active recreation and/or sports training ground - not suitable for children’s play Road reserve - may provide temporary additional green spaces and/or for the purpose of linkages and pathways Easements - where infrastructure exist (e.g. power transmission towers, transformers, control boxes) - not suitable for open space - where open spaces under transmission lines or over underground pipes, may be suitable for linear corridors or pathways Waterways - water components NOT suitable as open system ❖ While conservation and environmentally-sensitive land must be considered encumbered as it may restrict recreational use and access, it is important to recognize the significant value in protecting biodiversity, vegetation, natural habitat as well as cultural and historical values. Other Planning Systems Needed a. Development Framework – focuses on facilitating the orderly development of urban areas and, among other things, includes a strategy to identify the location of open and green space for recreation, biodiversity, protection and/or flood risk reduction process. b. Open Space Planning – focuses on the creation and protection of diverse and integrated network of public open and green space for recreation and conservation of natural and cultural environments. c. Open Space Management – focuses on the management and protection of public open and green space. d. Open Space Network at the Provincial Level – supports the growth and development of the province’s other settlements creating opportunities to enhance open and green space networks within and between settlements. e. Environmental and Landscape Values – acknowledges that planning must implement ecologically sustainable development, and adopts principles established by national and international agreements. The elements must focus on the strategic planning, protection, and management of areas with significant environmental and landscape values including: biodiversity values (including native plants and animals), native vegetation, coastal areas and bays, other environmentally sensitive areas. Disclaimer: This handout is solely for educational purposes and is a reference to be used by the students enrolled in this subject only. Uploading or distribution of e-copies of this material without the consent of the author is prohibited. UEPM 103 – GREEN AND ECOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN URBAN PLANNING FINALS – LECTURE- LESSON 1 PREPARED BY: DESIEREE A. DE ARO f. Environmental Risks – provides guidance on environmental management and disaster risk management approaches that could be adopted to avoid environmental degradation and hazards. g. Natural Resource Management – sets out strategies and guidelines to assist in the conservation and wise use of natural resources to support both environmental quality and sustainable development. h. Built Environment and Heritage – sets out strategies for ensuring that planning a new land use and development appropriately responds to its landscapes, valued build form, and cultural contexts and protects places and sites with significant heritage, cultural, and other values. ❖ For cities and towns wishing to undertake open and green space development projects, it is suggested that they formally adopt a local ordinance or resolution stating their policy objectives and principles. ❖ Key Considerations: - scope and purpose for the planning activity - existing supply of open and green space - existing and future demand for open and green space - community and stakeholder engagement - influences, drivers for change, and trends in open and green space demand and provision - gap analysis which includes contexts, opportunities, and options for the future - strategic priorities and actions to respond to the identified needs and gaps PRINCIPLES OF OPEN AND GREEN SPACE PLANNING 1. Accessibility and Livability - an acknowledgement of the benefits of open and green space to social inclusion, health, and well-being - open and green space is highly valued by the community; involvement and engagement of the local community is critical - safe and supportive environments/accessible and equitable across communities - usability and appropriateness of use - well-distributed and connected – the important role of linkages and connections - meets current and future needs of the community/changing trends in participation and delivery of the open and green space - partnerships/collaboration (including volunteers) in the development and management of open space. 2. Multi-functionality and Adaptability - flexible and multi-use, and encouraging participation - diversity of opportunities, settings, and experiences – balanced and complementary - integration of public open and green spaces across the various landowners and managing bodies - providing for and/or preserving municipal, provincial, and national open and green space needs - responsive, adaptable to population and demographic change - minimizing disaster risk, conflict, and competing interests - valuing the benefits of going native, not only in urban landscaping but in saving natural heritage for future generations 3. Environmental Protection and Sustainability - sustainable development – environmental protection/preservation/enhancement - well maintained, sufficiently resourced, and sustainable for future generations - planned approach to the delivery of open and green space - preservation of natural, heritage, and cultural character and features - sustainability through contributions to community economic, health and social wellbeing - no net loss as the population expands and communities change PARAMETERS USED IN ASSESSING EXISTING PROVISIONS AND SUPPLY OF OPEN AND GREEN SPACES 1. Physical Context Disclaimer: This handout is solely for educational purposes and is a reference to be used by the students enrolled in this subject only. Uploading or distribution of e-copies of this material without the consent of the author is prohibited. UEPM 103 – GREEN AND ECOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN URBAN PLANNING FINALS – LECTURE- LESSON 1 PREPARED BY: DESIEREE A. DE ARO - settlement types or settings – within the city/municipality - housing densities – including access to private and “private communal” open and green space - urban and landscape design considerations - Access or links to natural assets or physical landmarks )e.g. national and0or provincial parks, coastal resorts and foreshores, hinterlands, major rivers and lakes, protected areas, key biodiversity areas, and biodiversity or wildlife corridors - areas of disaster mitigation, environmental or biodiversity values, ecology, topography and geology - general typology of open and green space throughout the area 2. Social Context - Health and well-being objectives of the city/municipality - population growth – decline or movements - demographic profile and factors affecting changes in the population - community connectivity or connection 3. Planning and Policy Context - International conventions – such as Human Rights Charter, Child Friendly cities, UN rights of the Child, Sustainable Cities, Climate Resilient Cities and Disaster Risk Mitigation - National laws, rules, standard and regulations - Regional/Provincial development and physical framework plan - City/Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and other local plans - Principles of sustainability and or livability that are embedded in the local government unit strategic development framework - Strategic links to align issues such as transport, healthy ageing, cultural heritage conservation, settlement planning and disaster risk management - Priorities for the local government unit’s long-term financial planning and investment programming framework 4. Assessing Existing Supply - site name/ownership/address or location/total area/existing land use - shape or configuration/dimensions - characteristics: slope, drainage, soils, land cover, features, quality, biodiversity resources - facilities and infrastructure - condition of the site and its improvements - zoning and other relevant planning overlays and controls - provision or location of services: water, power, roads, drainage and sewerage - planned or proposed developments on the site SOME CONSIDERATIONS FOR OPEN AND GREEN SPACES - the need for open and green spaces will rely on a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches. This initial assessment is recommended prior to the broad community consultation phase as it develops a clear and objective picture that utilizes a wide range of agreed measures. - The following checklist provides some guidance in achieving an understanding of the need for open and green space: a. The expressed need or demand identified by key stakeholders in an early consultation phase. b. Consideration of private backyard sizes, private/communal open and green space provided in high density residential areas. c. Recorded, anecdotal, and observed demand for public open and green space by the users of spaces, the community, visitors, students, and workers. d. Types and functions of open and green spaces that are the subject of such demand. e. Perceived attitudes about open and green space that might be identified through previous community engagement projects, including environmental values, sharing spaces, existing conditions, adequacy of primary as well as supporting facilities. f. Existing participation trends and how these compare to national, regional and local trends. g. Location and size requirements of open and green space. Disclaimer: This handout is solely for educational purposes and is a reference to be used by the students enrolled in this subject only. Uploading or distribution of e-copies of this material without the consent of the author is prohibited. UEPM 103 – GREEN AND ECOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN URBAN PLANNING FINALS – LECTURE- LESSON 1 PREPARED BY: DESIEREE A. DE ARO h. Identified constraints to using public open and green space – barriers such as physical, geographic, financial, social and cultural. i. Analysis of the existing open and green space supply and its suitability to provide for the various needs and functions. suitability considerations could include the quality of spaces, size, ability to meet its functions and location. j. Hierarchy and associated catchment of the open and green space network considered in the context of location and distribution. k. The connectivity of the open and green space network including the physical connection and destination nodes (i.e., space of interest) l. Benchmarking of provision can be used as a valuable tool in association with other methods of analyzing provisions, and consideration needs to be given to local factors such as population size, demographics, barriers to access, local needs, and trends in demand and usage. Reference: Alliance for Safe, Sustainable and Resilient Environments (ASSURE) Inc. (2019). Public Parks, Open and Green Spaces (Planning and Development Guide). URL:http://piep.org.ph. Accessed on October 10, 2024. Disclaimer: This handout is solely for educational purposes and is a reference to be used by the students enrolled in this subject only. Uploading or distribution of e-copies of this material without the consent of the author is prohibited.