Nature Parks, Green Space, and Trails
typical acreage
Size and shape will vary depending on its function, use and available land.
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service area description
Varies; Service area will vary depending on its function, use and available land.
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existing nature parks, green space, and trails in dallas
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definition
Green space provides natural or landscaped areas within the City in contrast to the built landscape. The size, shape, and service area of green space will vary depending on its function and use. Green space may be managed for different purposes, including: stormwater management, wildlife habitat, and flood retention.
Natural areas and greenways are designed to protect or conserve significant natural features, such as trees and tree canopy, rivers and streams, wetlands, steep hillsides, environmentally sensitive areas, and wildlife habitat. Where appropriate, these parks may also support outdoor recreation, such as trail-related opportunities, bird and wildlife viewing, environmental interpretation and education, and small-scale picnicking.
Trail corridors are linear-shaped parks that may follow streams, abandoned railroad lines, transportation or utility rights-of-way, or elongated natural areas. These parks typically support facilities such as soft or hard-surfaced trails, interpretative and informational signage, and trailheads. Trail corridors may support non-motorized transportation, recreation, exercise, and community access by connecting significant destinations within the City. Trails should be looped and interconnected to provide a variety of trail lengths and destinations. They should link to various parts of the community, as well as existing park sites.
Natural areas and greenways are designed to protect or conserve significant natural features, such as trees and tree canopy, rivers and streams, wetlands, steep hillsides, environmentally sensitive areas, and wildlife habitat. Where appropriate, these parks may also support outdoor recreation, such as trail-related opportunities, bird and wildlife viewing, environmental interpretation and education, and small-scale picnicking.
Trail corridors are linear-shaped parks that may follow streams, abandoned railroad lines, transportation or utility rights-of-way, or elongated natural areas. These parks typically support facilities such as soft or hard-surfaced trails, interpretative and informational signage, and trailheads. Trail corridors may support non-motorized transportation, recreation, exercise, and community access by connecting significant destinations within the City. Trails should be looped and interconnected to provide a variety of trail lengths and destinations. They should link to various parts of the community, as well as existing park sites.
Benefits of NATURE PARKS, GREEN SPACE, AND TRAILS
- Protect valuable natural resources and open space.
- Contribute to the environmental health of the community, including protecting the tree canopy and improving water and air quality.
- Contribute to community identity and quality of life.
- Provide wildlife corridors through the City.
- Improve the aesthetic quality and beauty of Dallas.
- Encourage non- motorized transportation, such as walking and biking.
- Improve community connectivity, by linking parks and other community destinations, such as schools, neighborhoods, shopping areas, and recreation opportunities provided by others.
- Provide opportunities for nature-based recreation and environmental education.
Design criteria for NATURE PARKS, GREEN SPACE, AND TRAILS
Sensitive areas such as wetlands, riparian zones and other ecologically sensitive areas should be protected. Trails that pass through sensitive areas should be designed with site sensitive materials as to not harm the resource. Providing views to these areas can be achieved through proper site layout. Wetland and riparian areas should be protected by a 50-foot native vegetation buffer allowing access occasionally for interpretive and educational viewing areas that are accompanied by a sign. Improvements should be limited to restorative actions and minimal construction of human made elements with the exception of thoughtfully placed paths. Paths should be ADA compliant, while also using materials that blend into the landscape. The construction and design of paths needs to be carefully planned. Take into account the amount of users, the width of the path, the type of path, the placement in regards to the topography, and soils and drainage conditions. All trails do not need to be paved but the system should offer diverse experiences to those who may be more challenged than others. Pathways that are paved with asphalt or concrete should be constructed correctly to achieve the longest lifetime possible.
