NPFA Minimum Standard for Outdoor Playing Space

The National Playing Fields Association (NPFA) recommends a minimum standard for 'outdoor playing space' of 2.4 hectares per 1,000 population. This is commonly referred to as the '6 Acre Standard'. The NPFA does not regard 'outdoor playing space' to be the same as public open space, rather it is space that is safely accessible and available to the general public, and of a suitable size and nature, for sport, active recreation or children's play. Accordingly it is a significant component, but not the only form, of open space.