Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 87

6. The recommended standards were compared to the existing inventory and population
projections for 1995 and 2020 to identify park acreage and recreational facility
deficiencies for Louisville as a whole and the seven service areas.
This chapter summarizes the results of the 1995 park and recreational facility needs analysis
for Louisville. Sections A and B discuss the 1995 recommended standards and identified
deficiencies for parkland acreage and recreational facilities, respectively, and discusses the
progress made as of early 2016 in meeting the needs that were identified in 1995. Finally, a
2016 survey of park users is included in this chapter.
A. Parkland Needs Analysis – Level of Service
Background
In about 1975, the LMPRD developed an informal park classification system for parks
under its jurisdiction. Developed from NRPA standards, this system includes the following types
of parks¹:
Mini-park (less than 5 acres): a small park designed to serve as many as 2,000
residents within a radius of about a quarter of a mile. Usually includes a playground,
but may have another type of facility to meet the needs of certain groups or may be
a passive recreation area.
Neighborhood Park (5 to 20 acres): a larger park, usually with play equipment,
athletic facilities, and open lawn areas, designed to serve 2,000 to 10,000 residents
within a radius of about half a mile.
Community Park (20 to 100 acres): a park designed to serve up to 50,000 residents
within a two-mile radius. Usually includes the same types of facilities as a
neighborhood park as well as such additional facilities as an Olympic-sized
swimming pool, community center, and pavilion or lodge.
Major Urban Park (100 to 1,000 acres): a large park designed to serve 50,000 to
100,000 residents within a 30-minute driving area. Usually includes the same
facilities as the three smaller categories but also has substantial passive recreational
areas accommodating uses such as picnicking, hiking, riding, and camping.
Regional Park (more than 1,000 acres): the largest category designed to serve the
entire metropolitan area as a nature park. Undeveloped except for facilities such as
campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
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IV. PARK AND RECREATIONAL FACILITY NEEDS ANALYSIS | October 2016 Update