10 | NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION PRE-PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT CONTEXT-SENSITIVE DESIGN – The size and shape of existing parkland or land slated for park redevelopment may affect the amount of land available for stormwater management. Identifying any areas that should be avoided is an important step in assessing the site’s capacity for green stormwater infrastructure (see existing site features below). Allowing water to infiltrate into the soil can be challenging when space is limited. Integrating green stormwater infrastructure practices into existing landscape features, such as placing bioretention areas or bioswales alongside medians or parking areas, serves multiple purposes.28 EXISTING SITE FEATURES – Utilities, structures, mature trees, and other existing natural resources and rightsof-way can impact the amount of space available to integrate green stormwater infrastructure practices. This is particularly true with existing park or infill sites. Utilities that may be buried below-ground include sewer, water, electrical, gas, and fiber optic communication lines. It is important to locate these features early in the design process to identify and coordinate with the responsible agencies. Adjacent structures and buildings can also have an impact. Tall buildings in urban settings can block the sun or adversely impact wind, noise, and odors.29 Depth to the water table, average annual rainfall and temperature, and the location of wetlands, floodPark Pride A two-acre detention pond was created as the centerpiece of an urban park in Atlanta’s historic Fourth Ward Park
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