Open Space - V20910

Open Space: Parks and Playgrounds Presented by: Abante, Romelyn Bantigue, Cherry Mae Papa, David Kakai

Open Space - An area reserved exclusively for parks, playgrounds, recreational uses, schools, roads, places of worship, hospitals, health centers, barangay centers and other similar amenities and facilities. - A system of functional open spaces is an important element of the CLUP

- Functional open spaces are areas that are deliberately kept in their open character for their contribution toward maintaining the amenity value of the environment - If sufficiently vegetated, open spaces perform ecological services as carbon sink and contribute to rainwater infiltration and aquifer recharge - They also offer opportunities for free recreation for the local residents. At the same time they can serve as protection buffers around hazardous areas and

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installations buffers around hazardous areas and installations. Open space shall conform to the provisions of PD 1216 and its implementing rules and shall include the following: 1. Streets – adequate and safe means of vehicular pedestrian circulation and easements for utilities and planting strips, shall be provided 2. Walks – paved walks shall be provided to the living units from streets, parking spaces and from

living units to play area. 3. Parks and Playgrounds – suitable recreational area shall be allocated within the subdivision. Where applicable, a hierarchy of such recreational areas may be provided for, such that, a strategically located main park area is supplemented or complemented by one or more smaller pocket or areas for recreational use. These areas must be accessible to living units and free from any form of hazard risk. Said parks and playgrounds shall be cleared and free from any debris.

Parks and Playground Park – An area of land set aside for public use, as:   

A piece of land with few or no buildings within or adjoining a town, maintained for recreational and ornamental purposes. A landscaped city square. A large tract of rural land kept in its natural state and usually reserved for the enjoyment and recreation of visitors.

Playground – An outdoor area set aside for recreation and play,

especially one containing equipment such as seesaws and swings.

 Parks and playground as much as possible shall be at street level  Allocation of area for parks and playgrounds shall be mandatory for projects one (1) hectare or more and shall be deemed non-buildable area.

The same shall be strategically located within the subdivision project.  Area allocated for parks and playgrounds shall in no case be less than 100 square meters.  The percentage requirements for parks/playgrounds shall be at follows:

Parks and Playground Allocation DENSITY PARKS/PLAYGROUNDS No. of Lots/Dwelling Allocation in percent Gross unit per hectare Area (%) 20 and below 21 - 25 26 – 35 36 – 50 51 – 65 Above 65

3.5 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 9.0

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1216 Section 31: Roads, Alleys, Sidewalks, and Open space – The owner as developer of subdivision shall provide adequate roads, alleys and sidewalks. For subdivision projects one hectare or more, the owner or developer shall reserve 30 % of the gross area for open space. Such open space shall have the following standards allocated exclusively for parks, playgrounds and recreational use:

a. 9% of gross area for high density or social housing (66 – 100 family lot for gross hectare). b. 7% of gross area for medium-density or economic housing (21 – 65 family lot per gross hectare). c. 3.5% of gross area for low-density or open market housing (20 family lots or below per gross hectare).

Hierarchy of Parks and Playgrounds  At the city/ municipal level, the town square or plaza is at the top of the hierarchy - The town plaza should be a factor in establishing the image of the town. Central urban functions may be located around the town plaza  Lower order parks should be planned in conjunction with neighborhood and community centers

 Lower-end open spaces include barangay parks, neighborhood parks, vest-pocket parks, and tot lots (children’s play areas).