Definition of Sustainable Park

Sustainable Parks

Sustainable parks are the new wave in park development. Dr. Galen Cranz of the University of California at Berkeley spoke at the NC Museum of Art in October 2005 about the history of parks, and the trend toward sustainable park development that is taking place across the nation and the world.

What is a Sustainable Park?

According to Galen Cranz, Sustainable Parks differ from traditional parks in regard to many details and at least three general principles.

Sustainable Parks attempt to become self-sufficient with regards to material resources.

Sustainable Parks can play a role in solving larger urban problems outside their boundaries when they are integrated with the surrounding urban fabric. New aesthetic forms emerge for parks and other urban landscapes. (Cranz, "Defining the Sustainable Park: A Fifth Model for Urban Parks", Landscape Journal, 23:2-04)

Some of the more specific characteristics of Sustainable Parks that may or may not be incorporated into the design and management include:

Uses green building techniques such as solar power, rain water reuse/greywater for irrigation, etc. to minimize ecological costs of construction and ongoing use.

Employs best management practices to ensure healthy ecosystems, e.g. river buffers, using native, non-invasive environmentally appropriate plant choices, etc.

Encourages partnerships with other entities to foster community support

Has a strong sense of place and identity

Recycles waste products as much as possible

Does not waste limited resources

Enhances the environment, does not degrade it

Builds community, relationships, trust and goodwill

Educates the public about the value of natural resource stewardship

Enhances wildlife habitat

Creates low impact on the environment

Does not pollute

Involves the public in many ways (as partners, customers, volunteers, participants, stakeholders, etc.)

Respects nature and people

Promotes alternative forms of transportation (e.g. greenways)

People for Parks and others have suggested that Horseshoe Farm be a "model of sustainable park development and management" due to its unique location and natural resources. A serious effort to make the park sustainable would put Raleigh and the park on the map as being progressive and visionary.

http://www.horseshoefarm.org/sustainable_parks.htm