Page 156 - Florence County, SC Florence County 2032: Connecting Our Past, Defining Our Future

Future County | Amenities and the Next Big Thing

Parks and Open Space Site Selection Criteria

It is critical for Florence County to continue their strategic outlook on placement of new parks and open
space. Various factors influence the siting of parks and recreation areas. Among the criteria that influence
site selection are the surrounding land use characteristics (e.g. type and scale of development, lot size), the
size and anticipated use of the proposed area, and the potential physical development constraints and
barriers (e.g. arterial (primary) roadways and other streets, waterways, and drainage ditches). The general
site selection criteria and principal considerations for parks and recreation facilities include the following
factors:
Topography:

1. The park should have a land surface configuration (relief) to accommodate its intended uses such as ball
fields and open play areas.
2. Some variation in topography, even if created through cut and fill, is desirable to create visual interest
and to offer additional opportunities for park uses such as mountain biking and hiking.
3. There should be a sufficient slope to allow for adequate storm water runoff from ball fields and other
developed areas.
4. Desirable views into and away from the site should be preserved and protected.
Soils/Landscaping:

1. The topsoil should be suitable for turf grasses and trees.
2. The area should be protected from soil erosion during construction and designed to avoid erosion upon
completion (e.g., through mulches, retaining walls).
3. Natural or landscaped vegetation should include grass areas and trees with hardy, low maintenance
species preferred for planted vegetation.
4. Irrigation systems should be provided for intensively used areas such as playing fields and landscaped
areas.
5. Significant individual specimens or unique wildlife habitats are desirable.
6. Interpretive signage should be provided to identify species and varieties of natural vegetation and to
educate the public.
Access and Location:

1. All parks should be readily accessible to their users and convenient for pedestrians, bicyclists, and
motorists.
2. Parks should be accessible from collector (secondary) streets rather than arterial (primary) roadways.
3. Parks should be located adjacent to trails and greenways to provide linkage to neighborhoods and other
areas of the community.
4. Joint use of sites for public parks and school use is highly desirable to maximize the public benefit and
to be efficient in the expenditure of public resources.

Florence County, SC | Comprehensive Plan pg. 155