Civic and Other Activities

Printable PDF version

Civic and Other Activities Categories

‐ Parks and Open Space
‐ Public and Quasi Public

This section includes existing public or semi‐public lands uses and activities and some future sites for schools on the Future Land Use Plan.

Public and Quasi-Public Category

Uses
The Public and Quasi‐Public category includes existing uses related to community services, such as fire stations, schools, libraries, community centers, hospitals, civic buildings, utilities, and cemeteries. It also includes churches and places of worship.

Characteristics and Location
The Future Land Use Plan shows only existing Public and Quasi‐Public facilities. Future locations will vary depending on the type of facility.

Applicable Zoning Districts: PUB

Parks and Public Spaces Principles
Parks and public spaces should be designed using the following principles. They should:

1. Be designed and planned as part of neighborhoods—not be merely "left over."


2. Be large enough to provide useable space to meet the intended uses.


3. Incorporate natural features, including ridgelines, habitats, hills, drainageways, and historic sites or landmarks.


4. Be visible from at least one local street (two ideally) to invite use, encourage a sense of ownership, and provide a safe area.


5. Include a focal point or amenities for a variety of users.


6. Include appropriate lighting.


7. Provide places to sit and trash receptacles.

Parks and Open Space Category

Uses
Public and private open space, public and private parks, country clubs, and golf courses are appropriate uses. Some public utilities or facilities may also be appropriate. This category may also include natural/cultural resource area.

Characteristics and Location
Existing parks and open space are shown on the Future Land Use Plan and some general locations for future community parks; however not all future parks are shown. Locations for neighborhood parks will be addressed through the policies of this Plan and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and during neighborhood development. The characteristics and location will vary, depending on the type of use.

Open space includes public sites and areas for active and passive recreation, conservation and mitigation of environmental hazards.

The location, access, terrain, size, and design will vary for future open space, depending on the specific use.

Applicable Zoning Districts: PUB

Criteria for Locating Schools
Schools should be located according to the following criteria:

• Schools should be located adjacent to a collector street or streets within neighborhoods. Avoid locations adjacent to major thoroughfares or arterials.


• They should be near parks, trails, and other recreation facilities to provide combined recreation facilities.


• Middle and high schools should be planned as combined campuses, facilitating opportunities for shared facilities and transportation options.


• High Schools: should be 20 acres with one school for every 1,200 students or 5,000 households (School District).


• Middle Schools: should be 10 acres with one school to serve every 850 students or 3,400 households (School District).


• Elementary Schools: should be 10 acres with one school to serve every 330 students (2 Track) or 1,200 households (School District).