Ord 2019-012/adopting the 2019 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan

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Figure 3.2,Park Classifications O IIIAL PARKS Regional parks serve the whole city or multiple cities and typically range in size from 50 to over 1,000 acres.These parks can be comprised of natural areas or urban elements. Festivals, entertainment venues,and special activities are often found in regional parks. Other types of amenities that can be included are boating,fishing,camping, hiking/ biking trails,and wildlife viewing. Internal roads and oversized parking lots may be required to meet access demands.At special events and during times of peak park usage, connections to mass transit may also be necessary. IIIUNITY PARKS Community parks are larger parcels of park land that serve several neighborhoods and encourage active and passive recreation. Lighted athletic fields and playgrounds play a large role in an active community park. Picnicking,walking paths,and unprogrammed natural and open spaces are examples of passive recreation at community parks.These types of parks have better vehicular accessibility when compared to neighborhood parks and they typically range in size from 10 to 50 acres. Dudley Johnson/Randy Vetter/Five Mile Dam Park are examples of parks that don't fit the definition of a community park yet still serve as one. Currently,there are no parks classified as community parks within San Marcos. ORHOOD PARKS O Neighborhood parks are smaller parks,and serve one big or two small neighborhoods.113 They are designed for residential areas because they are within bicycling or walking distance. Neighborhood parks typically range in size from three to 10 acres. Dunbar Park and El Camino Real Park are examples of neighborhood parks. IIISPACES AND NATURAL AREAS Greenspaces and natural areas vary in size and do not serve a specific geographic area. They are most often used for passive recreation and the conservation of land, but they can also serve as water quality control areas and ecological habitats for wildlife. Fishing, kayaking, hiking,and nature viewing are examples of activities that can be enjoyed in the open spaces of this type of park.Two examples of greenspace and natural areas in San Marcos are Upper Purgatory Creek Natural Area and Spring Lake Natural Area. IIIL USE AREAS Special use facilities are designed to accommodate specific recreational activities.The size of special use facilities can vary. Entrance fees can be charged and staff are often needed to manage the operations. Community centers,golf courses, aquatic facilities, and stadiums are all examples of special use areas.These areas can be located next to a regional park or a community park. In San Marcos, Gary Sports Complex and Memorial Park are two examples of special use areas. O Source:This Parks Master Plan includes the guidelines for park classification established by the National Recreation and Park Association(NRPA)as included in the 1990 printing of Recreation,Park,and Open Space Standards and Guidelines and the 1995 printing of Park,Recreation,Open Space, and Greenway Guidelines.The NRPA guidelines have generally been the most widely accepted and used guidelines of their type,especially by local governments. 30 City of San Marcos, Texas I San Marcos Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan