A LANDSCAPE PLANNING APPROACH FOR CREATING A RECREATION PARK OPEN SPACES SYSTEM (RPOSS): A Study of Wadi - El-Arish Sinai Region in Egypt

Abstract

This paper will focus on elaborating the idea of the Recreational Open Space System, and how to implement it in Egypt as a new product in the planning process in Egypt, taking Wadi Al-Arish in North Sinai region as an example. The main objective of this research is to introduce this concept that will help to ensure that the Regional landscape remains healthy and responds to growing demands on its resources and facilities in the Egyptian planning process. “Open space,” is defined as public and private land that is generally natural in character. It may support agricultural production, or provide outdoor recreational opportunities, or protect cultural and natural resources. It contains relatively few buildings or other humanmade structures. Depending on the location and surrounding land use, open space can range in size from a small city plaza or neighborhood park of several hundred square feet, corridors linking neighborhoods of several acres to pasture, croplands or natural areas and parks covering thousands of acres. (Fabos, J. 2004) “Recreation Park Open Space System” (RPOSS) means land and water areas, or interests therein, and facilities determined by the metropolitan council to be of regional importance in providing for a balanced system of public outdoor recreation for the metropolitan area including but not limited to park reserves, major linear parks and trails, large recreation parks, and conservatories, zoos, and other special use facilities. Parks and open space are vital to the quality of life of residents in the region. Parks and open space benefit the individual by providing opportunities for recreation, fitness, self-discovery, and education. (Opdam, P et al., 2002) They benefit communities by serving as public gathering places, and they have been shown to reduce juvenile crime rates and increase community pride. Parks and open space have economic benefits as well, with increased values of land adjacent to parks and trails, as a stimulus for tourism, as a factor in curbing health care costs, and as a quality of life factor for retaining and attracting business to the region. Parks and open space also provide significant environmental benefits by preserving natural habitat, and by protecting and improving air and water quality.