D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10, r. 10-A804
Most large cities in the United States have adopted classification systems to guide the management of their parks and open spaces. In fact, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) defines park classification as "the basic element of the planning function." Classification provides a basis for deciding which activities and facilities are appropriate within each park. It also provides a means of analyzing where service gaps exist and where acquisitions and capital improvements may be required. 804.1
Until 2006, the District's parks were loosely classified as "large parks," "neighborhood parks," "recreation center grounds," and "triangles." These categories are not consistent with national standards, making it difficult to evaluate the adequacy of parks or to compare the District with peer cities. They are also not intuitive-the "large parks" are actually ecological areas (like Watts Branch and Kingman Island); some recreation centers have no "grounds" to speak of; and the "neighborhood parks" category includes no acreage, service area, or facility standards. 804.2
The 2006 Parks Master Plan has recommended a new classification system to improve customer service and park management. Under this system, the four "Large Parks" (Oxon Run, Watts Branch, Pope Branch, and Kingman/Heritage Islands) will be re-categorized into a broader category of conservation-oriented open spaces. Recreation center grounds and neighborhood parks will be reclassified as "community" or "neighborhood" parks based on their size and amenities. The 231 triangles will be classified as "mini parks" and will be further distinguished based on their size and function. 804.3
Table 8.1 summarizes the park classification system. Map 8.1 shows the location of District-owned parks. The mini-parks are not shown due to the map scale and small size of these parks. 804.4
Table 8.1: Park Classification System
Map 8.1: Location of District Parks
An important consideration in classifying the city's parks is to recognize the role that federal lands play in the overall park system (noted in Policy PROS 1.1.2 below). In many parts of the city, federal land plays a crucial role in meeting park, recreation, and open space needs. Some of the city's parks are part of a contiguous system of parks and open spaces, with different areas under different ownership and management. Such systems need to be cohesively planned and managed, and not treated as individual isolated neighborhood or community parks. 804.7
Policy PROS-1.1.1: Park Classification
Adopt and maintain a classification system to guide the future use of District parks. Table 8.1 provides the framework for this system. Follow general management prescriptions for each type of park, as defined by an official Parks Master Plan. 804.8
Policy PROS-1.1.2: Consideration of Federal Parkland
Work with federal agencies to evaluate the role that federal lands play in meeting the recreational needs of District residents, particularly for regional parks and sports complexes. Because these properties are used by city residents, they should be considered when identifying underserved areas and assessing the need for local park improvements. 804.9
Policy PROS-1.1.3: Park Diversity
Provide a diverse range of recreational experiences in parks within the District of Columbia, including a balance between passive and active recreational uses, and a mix of local-serving, region-serving, and national recreational uses. 804.10
Policy PROS-1.1.4: Mini-Parks
Develop a coherent identity for mini-parks through a coordinated approach to management among the various government agencies that can define the role of mini-parks in the larger park system, help the agencies manage them more efficiently, and promote system-wide investment of resources.
Action PROS-1.1.A: Park Classification
Complete the classification of each of the District's 359 properties using Table 8.1. Identify suggested (advisory only) classifications for federal parks as part of this process. 804.11
Action PROS-1.1.B: Parks Master Plan
Implement the Master Plan for the District of Columbia Parks System. Update the Plan at least once every five years, or as needed to reflect changing conditions and needs. Use the Parks Master Plan as the basis for the annual capital improvements program request for park and recreational facilities. 804.12
Action PROS-1.1.C: Master Plans for Individual Parks
Prepare master plans for individual parks as funding allows, and implement capital improvements that are consistent with these plans. 804.13
The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9 a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10, r. 10-A804