How much of vegetation on either side of path can count as qualifying open space? it is clear from the credit that on site with a path through a garden, the entirety of the garden could qualify - the vegetation is part of what makes it a qualifying open space. we have two situations on two different projects (not yet submitted) - a path that leads through an area preserved area of older (not old) growth forest, where it is intended that people not leave the path, and an exercise trail along the perimeter of the site that has an edge with a steep, vegetated slope (steep enough that people will not veer off the path). To me, some portion (if not all) of the forest and the slope should be included as qualifying open space, since they will be directly experienced and enhance the path. But not clear to me that there is a definitive distance we can count on, since the entirety of the forest and slope cannot be accessed. The fact that entirety of wetlands (not directly accessible) can count (assuming the slope qualifies), regardless of size, implies to me that perhaps the entire area can qualify, if bordered or bisected by an accessible path? Any thoughts or experience on this?
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Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
530 thumbs up
March 24, 2023 - 7:46 am
Great post Chris!
I have struggled with the same issue on the projects that put in walking paths around the property in pursuit of the Open Space credit. In my experience with GBCI review comments, the walking path - and only the walking path - is considered to be "pedestrian/recreation-oriented paving" and thus only the area of the walking path is considered compliant outdoor space.
If the area immediately adjacent to the walking path meets one of the other criteria listed as open space then that too could be considered to be compliant outdoor space.
To keep it simple:
A walking path around a parking lot and building footprint, then just the walking path is compliant outdoor space.
A walking path through a garden, the walking path + garden = compliant outdoor space.
Hope this helps!