PDLS Open Space System (PARKS, TRAILS, & NATURAL PRESERVATION AREAS)
Each of PDLS’s villages represents a distinct neighborhood. Connected by a common backbone infrastructure, they form a cohesive community. A critical component of that infrastructure is aesthetic integration. In many ways, PDLS’s Open Space System serves as the community’s 12th village, unifying the energy and character of the individual villages. Each of the 11 PDLS villages has been planned with a focus on aesthetics and the guiding philosophy of the Open Space System.
The Philosophy of the PDLS Open Space System
Designing in harmony with nature requires setting aside certain areas for preservation to protect the land’s natural beauty. In turn, safeguarding the environment enhances the overall living experience for residents and visitors alike. Additionally, enhanced open spaces—such as stormwater detention basins, drainage facilities, and roadway corridors—can serve multiple functions, benefiting not only residential and touristic populations but also the local wildlife.
Beyond environmental protection, recreational activities also necessitate open space, contributing to both functionality and the project’s overall aesthetic appeal.
The PDLS Open Space System is guided by four core principles:
1. Recognizing the Value of Natural Spaces
Natural areas hold aesthetic, recreational, biological, and developmental value. Protecting them is not only an environmental imperative but also an essential part of enhancing community life.
2. Identifying & Preserving Unique Ecosystems
The varying ecosystems across PDLS must be carefully identified so they can be preserved, enhanced, or responsibly developed.
3. Creating Connectivity Through Trails & Pathways
To maximize their value and accessibility, these natural spaces must be interconnected through a network of trails and pathways, both natural and enhanced. A well-developed trail system will allow all inhabitants—residents, visitors, and wildlife—to navigate and benefit from integrated ecosystems that are seamlessly woven into the community’s infrastructure.
4. Designating Parks as Gathering Spaces & Ecosystem Buffers
To prevent unmanaged foot traffic from disturbing natural spaces, a system of parks will be strategically developed. These parks will serve as gathering places where residents and visitors can enjoy the scenery without straining delicate ecosystems. Additionally, the parks will function as trailheads, linking various ecosystems and natural areas while minimizing human impact.
This interconnected system of parks and trails will help preserve natural spaces for future generations, ensuring a balance between human habitation and environmental sustainability.
Environmental Sensitivity & Protection
Of the eight ecosystems, only The Sea and The Beach are classified as environmentally sensitive and are subject to legal environmental protections. To ensure compliance, all PDLS standards, guidelines, management practices, monitoring systems, and mitigation programs will be developed and implemented in strict adherence to applicable environmental laws and policies.
Despite their environmental protections, The Sea and The Beach remain integral components of the PDLS Parks, Trails & Natural Preservation System. The other six ecosystems, while not subject to legal environmental restrictions, have been recognized by PDLS for their unique and valuable characteristics. As such, they will be treated with the same level of aesthetic respect as The Sea and The Beach.
To uphold this commitment, only passive or recreational activities will be permitted within the eight ecosystems, unless expressly authorized by the PDLS Design Review Committee (DRC). Additionally, no permanent structures will be allowed, except for:
Trails
Park facilities
Drainage infrastructure
Select amenities that align with the preservation goals of the Open Space System
Comprehensive Integration of Land, Sea & Open Spaces
The totality of land, sea, and seaside natural spaces—along with enhanced landscapes, developed and natural trails, parks, multi-use facilities, and landscaped open spaces—collectively forms the PDLS Parks, Trails & Natural Preservation System.
By integrating conservation, recreation, and connectivity, PDLS ensures that open spaces remain both functional and protected, enhancing the overall livability and sustainability of the development.
PDLS Natural Ecosystems
PDLS has identified eight unique natural ecosystems within its boundaries. Each of these ecosystems possesses distinct physical characteristics, yet all are equally valuable in shaping the landscape and environment of PDLS.
The eight PDLS ecosystems are:
• The Sea
• The Beach
• The Rocky Coastline
• The Cardones
• The Mountains
• The Desert
• The Lake
• The Vistas
The eighth ecosystem, The Vistas, is not a traditional ecosystem with its own physical characteristics. Instead, it represents the visual and emotional experience created by the other seven ecosystems combined. The Vistas is about perspective—where one can stand at a single location and appreciate the beauty of distant natural spaces simply by seeing.
In this sense, preserving the first seven ecosystems directly enhances the value and beauty of The Vistas. It can be said, then, that The Vistas serves as the overarching monitor for the PDLS Parks, Trails & Natural Preservation System. One does not need to physically visit each ecosystem to appreciate its significance; simply standing still, walking a trail, witnessing a passing storm, or traversing the property by vehicle is enough to understand the profound value of The Vistas.