ArcGIS provides the tools that planners need to design and analyze parks and green spaces at small and large scales. Planners can use ArcGIS Urban to create and apply space use types to parcels to represent ground space use. They can also add elevation layers directly to individual development scenarios to see how different surfaces might interact with the terrain. In essence, this is geodesign at work.<\/p>\n\n For instance, in the above example, a planner could be looking at a drainage basin within a proposed development that the developer wants to set aside for an open space or park. The surface editing tools in ArcGIS Urban would empower the planner to quickly trace an outline of the proposed park based on the elevation layer. Now, the planner can use a more precise tracing, which enables them to accurately calculate the area coverage of the proposed park. This elevation layer provides the detail and context needed to design ideal spaces and surfaces.<\/p>\n\n Any planner knows that proposed developments are very detail-oriented and the developer submitting the proposal wants to take maximum advantage of the property. With that in mind, planners can also sketch with exact measurements. In the example below, we can see precise distances and measurements being added to meet the requirements for a soccer field.<\/p>\n\n The bigger picture is that ArcGIS provides a platform for planners and developers to collaborate more closely, faster, and with greater accuracy. This reduces the development review time and helps push through qualified developments in a timelier manner.<\/p>\n\n Planning departments are also responsible for maintaining the comprehensive (or long-range) plan for their community. The most challenging aspect of this is accounting for future growth. Where will the greatest demand be? What about the greatest need? When it comes to meeting the needs of residents in 5-10 years, will there be enough affordable housing, commercial space\u2026or parks?<\/p>\n\n Again, ArcGIS empowers planners with land use planning tools in ArcGIS Urban. At its core, this enables planners to leverage a data-driven (and geographic) approach to allocation of space for parks and green spaces in future land use.<\/p>\n\n One of the key advantages of long-range planning, as opposed to current planning, is the timeframe with which to work. Long-range plans are updated over a course of months (if not years) and provide a greater opportunity for public engagement. In El Paso County, Colorado,<\/a> county planners and leaders used surveys, questionnaires, and interactive maps housed in an ArcGIS Hub site to effectively engage as much of the public as possible. This concept of civic inclusion helps to better establish buy-in from the public.<\/p>\n\n Parks and recreation were a key part of the county\u2019s master plan, as evidenced in their published StoryMap. The master plan focuses on maintaining the 8,000+ acres of parkland, 19 park facilities, and 130 miles of regional trails. More equitable access to these facilities has been prioritized too, as over 60% of the residents in this enormous county are less than a 15-minute drive to a County parks facility (most of the remaining percentage is within the municipal boundaries of Colorado Springs).<\/p>\n\n The involvement of the planning department in parks has existed for decades. It\u2019s not new. But with the use of GIS and a geographic approach, planners have never had an easier way to be more directly involved in the process from green spaces location to park design. Equally as important, they have a more collaborative approach than ever, ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice and that residents\u2019 needs are met today and down the road.<\/p>\n\n Learn more about planning parks and recreation for the next generation using GIS<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/uat.esri.com\/en-us\/industries\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ContextTractComposite-1024x287.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/uat.esri.com\/en-us\/industries\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/SoccerFieldComposite-1024x286.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nParks and Green Space in Long-Range Planning<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/uat.esri.com\/en-us\/industries\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/image-11.png\")
<\/figure>\n\nParks Revolve Around Planning<\/h2>\n\n
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