Here, we can get one point for being within 1/2 mile of a publicly accessible or community-based open space that is at least 3/4 acre in size. The open space requirement can be met by either one large open space or two smaller spaces totaling 3/4 acre.
There is a note that open spaces must consist predominantly of softscapes such as soil, grass, shrus, and trees, and include parks, play areas, and ponds if they border or walking or bicycle path.
This is hands down the number one thing we love about our house. Not the fact that it is energy efficient, water efficient, healthy, new, and what we consider to be a cool design — but the fact that we are across the street from a park, across the street from a lake, and across the street from walking and bicycle paths that can take us to the city, the river, or out into the suburbs. Granted, we are fortunate to live in a city like Minneapolis that has one of the best park systems in the country and was recently rated the number one bicycling city by Bicycling Magazine.
To me, the benefits are obvious. We like to play outside. Doesn’t everyone? The LEED Reference Manual makes it clear why it is important:
Publicly accessible green spaces promote outdoor activity and recreation and provide calming and restorative settings, community gathering places, and space for environmental education. Open spaces also facilitate outdoor activity, leading to improved health.
Duh. We get another point, though, in this last section of Location & Linkages. So, due to our ONE choice of location, we get a total of ten points, just over 11% of the total we need for Gold rating, and the maximum number of points possible for this section. Did we pay any more for these points? No, not incrementally. We would have chosen this location whether or not we wanted LEED Certification. But buying previously developed land that is close to transit and community resources and near parks and trails typically does cost more. So we did pay a premium. But the benefits are immeasurable to us.
Total Location & Linkages points: 10
Cumulative points: 14
Additional points needed to get to Gold: 74