Green space design is a unique approach to comprehensive community open space planning. It encompasses a three-step process intended to preserve green space for communities as they grow and develop. It is a proactive approach, addressing community desires for open space and development before development pressures dictate the future of a community. A complete green space design is an interlinked system of open spaces and connecting corridors in and around a community that has been legally and permanently preserved.

Community members consider the cultural, ecological, developmental, agricultural and recreational (CEDAR) assets of their community and prioritize them. Community decisions are then reflected on a green space design map, which illustrates interconnected green spaces to be preserved as well as areas that are best suited for development. Such strategic planning prior to real estate development applications ultimately produces more land for the public realm at a significantly reduced expense. In addition, the open land is located where the public needs and wants it – not in sites left over from development activities that are unsuitable for green space.