Definitions for "Public open space"
In land-use and transit planning, informal or formal outdoor areas that are intended for use by the public for passive or active recreation. These areas can vary in size and may include, but are not limited to include, these elements: seating, landscaping, playground equipment, sports fields and water features. Community parks, urban parks and urban plazas are three types of public open space that may be located in, around or near rail transit stations.
Urban space, designated by the Council, defined where public access is generally not formally established, but which fulfils or is capable of fulfilling a recreational and/or non-recreational role (for example, amenity, ecological, educational, social or cultural). Includes most nature reserves, city farms, cemeteries, reservoirs (including covered reservoirs) and some private institutional and housing estate grounds which are not considered suitable for built development. Public open space does not include school playing fields nor the amenity areas associated with the development of homes or flats or pedestrian precincts (Local Government Act 1966 Section 8). The River Thames towpath to which the public have unrestricted access is also considered locally to be public open space.
Land provided in urban or rural areas for public recreation, though not necessarily publicly owned.