What are some strategies for designing public spaces that meet diverse recreational needs?

1 Understand the context

The first step in designing public spaces that meet diverse recreational needs is to understand the context of the site, the community, and the potential uses. This involves conducting a site analysis, engaging with stakeholders, and identifying the opportunities and constraints of the location. For example, a public space in a dense residential area might have different recreational needs than one in a commercial or industrial zone. A public space near a school or a senior center might require different accessibility features than one near a transit hub or a park. A public space that is exposed to extreme weather or natural hazards might need different resilience measures than one that is sheltered or protected.

2 Apply universal design principles

The second step in designing public spaces that meet diverse recreational needs is to apply universal design principles, which are guidelines for creating environments that are accessible, usable, and equitable for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background. Universal design principles include providing multiple means of access, perception, communication, and interaction; ensuring flexibility, simplicity, and intuitiveness; and enhancing safety, comfort, and health. For example, a public space that applies universal design principles might have ramps, elevators, and tactile paving for people with mobility or visual impairments; signage, lighting, and soundscapes for people with hearing or cognitive impairments; seating, shade, and water fountains for people with health or comfort needs; and play areas, art installations, and cultural events for people with diverse interests and preferences.

3 Incorporate green and blue infrastructure

The third step in designing public spaces that meet diverse recreational needs is to incorporate green and blue infrastructure, which are natural or semi-natural elements that provide ecological, social, and economic benefits. Green infrastructure includes vegetation, such as trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers, that can improve air quality, reduce urban heat island effect, enhance biodiversity, and create aesthetic and sensory appeal. Blue infrastructure includes water features, such as ponds, streams, fountains, and rain gardens, that can manage stormwater, mitigate flooding, support wildlife, and create opportunities for recreation and relaxation. For example, a public space that incorporates green and blue infrastructure might have a community garden, a bioswale, a splash pad, and a birdwatching platform.

4 Promote active and passive recreation

The fourth step in designing public spaces that meet diverse recreational needs is to promote active and passive recreation, which are types of activities that involve different levels of physical and mental engagement. Active recreation includes sports, games, fitness, and adventure, that can improve physical health, fitness, and skills. Passive recreation includes reading, meditation, socializing, and observation, that can improve mental health, well-being, and awareness. For example, a public space that promotes active and passive recreation might have a basketball court, a skate park, a fitness station, and a climbing wall for active recreation; and a library, a pavilion, a picnic area, and a lookout for passive recreation.

5 Foster social and cultural diversity

The fifth step in designing public spaces that meet diverse recreational needs is to foster social and cultural diversity, which are aspects of human identity and expression that reflect different backgrounds, perspectives, and values. Social diversity includes age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and ability, that can influence the needs, preferences, and behaviors of different groups and individuals. Cultural diversity includes language, art, music, food, and traditions, that can enrich the sense of place, belonging, and creativity of different communities and cultures. For example, a public space that fosters social and cultural diversity might have a playground, a senior center, a multicultural center, and a community hall.

6 Enable adaptation and transformation

The sixth step in designing public spaces that meet diverse recreational needs is to enable adaptation and transformation, which are processes of change and innovation that respond to changing needs, conditions, and opportunities. Adaptation involves modifying or adjusting the existing features, functions, or uses of a public space to suit new or emerging situations or demands. Transformation involves creating or introducing new features, functions, or uses of a public space to generate new or enhanced experiences or outcomes. For example, a public space that enables adaptation and transformation might have movable furniture, modular structures, interactive technologies, and participatory design.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?