794-368 Urban Park Studies

The objective of this subject is to extend participants' ability to:

• recognise the diverse recreational needs of contemporary society;

• describe the role of public open space management in satisfying these needs;

• describe the methods used to evaluate and quantify public open space provision;

• describe the park planning process;

• demonstrate an ability to design a park system;

• describe the role of local government and other organisations in public open space provision;

• describe the maintenance and management systems that assist in the efficient management of public open space;

• recognise the political and social constraints on the efficient management of public open space;

• demonstrate understanding of principles of the cost effective management of urban vegetation;

• describe the principles and practices of the provision and management of children's play;

• recognise the role of interpretation in assisting in the management of public open space; and

• develop an understanding of the implications of urban consolidation practices on public open space.

The content includes the evolution of public open space, current levels and types of provision in relation to society's needs, the spectrum of current park types, design and planning of public open space, principles of vegetation management in public open space, the maintenance management process, management provision for active recreation, provision for play, the management of play environments, interpretation in public open space, and evaluation of the quality of public open space.

Essay (40%) and final exam (60%).