Car Park and Landscape Design

This Guidance Note covers the main aspects of landscape design and planning around small sports facilities although the principles apply to all building facilities. For a sports facility to function efficiently it is essential that the design of the landscape and external spaces is considered at the outset. The allocation of sufficient funds to this aspect of the overall design will result in:

• an attractive and inviting environment that people enjoy
• improved long-term appearance of the facility
• reduced running and maintenance costs.

Design briefs for a sports facility must always include the following requirements:

• adequate funds allocated to external works and landscape design
• measures taken to minimise long-term maintenance and repair
• the design promotes safety and security
• the design promotes access by all sections of society
• consideration of the overall shape, colour and form of the buildings, and their surrounds, to create an inviting environment that will attract users
• consideration of sustainability issues.

For the best results a chartered landscape architect should be appointed.

The consequences of ignoring the design of the external environment can be costly and severely affect the long-term viability of a facility by discouraging users or increasing maintenance costs to an unsustainable level.

Strategic planning
User profile
The potential range and types of visitor must be examined at the strategic planning stage. A combination of several, or all, of the following groups will have to be accommodated:

• casual visitors
• participants
• organised groups (including school parties)
• spectators.

The physical requirements of users will be further influenced by the need to consider the likely programme of usage that will be employed:

• For whom are the facilities being developed?
• Will use be year-round or seasonal?
• Will there be competitions and organised spectator events?
• Will use be by day and night?
• Will schools and clubs use the facilities?

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