Green-space Acquisition Ranking Program (GARP): A computer-assisted decision strategy

Abstract GARP, an acronym for Green-space Acquisition and Ranking Program, is a computer-assisted decision strategy (CADS) that can be the basis of an orderly and rational local government program of acquiring land for open space and recreation. Fifteen criteria are used to rank parcels. Numerical values are assigned according to how well the parcel conforms to each criterion and the importance of the criterion for “active” and for “passive” recreational use. Active use generally requires capital intensive development such as ball fields. Passive use is typically low intensity such as bridle and walking paths. The numerical values for each parcel are summed separately for active and for passive use; these scores reveal an ordinal ranking of the properties separately for active and for passive use.