Over the River and through the woods
And under the bridge and down the road
And through the city and into the park
And by the library and next to the school…
Wherever you need to go, go greenways.
Community Benefits
Initiatives in
metropolitan areas across the country, including Boston,
Denver and Minneapolis, demonstrate the benefits of an
interconnected system of greenways, parks and trails. The
benefits go far beyond recreational use: economic growth is
stimulated; property values increase; tax bases improve; new
businesses develop; citizens and neighborhoods interact; open
space is preserved; and healthier lifestyles are encouraged.
Improve Everyday Living
An interconnected system
encourages neighborhood and community lifestyles that
emphasize outdoor recreation and promote walking and bicycling
to school, work and shopping. By linking the system to
streets, sidewalks and other public spaces, it helps
communities and neighborhoods to function in a more connected,
healthy and enjoyable way.
Link a Community's Resources
By providing physical
connections and green "buffers," a system of greenways, parks
and trails helps unite spaces within a community. Residential
and commercial districts, educational campuses, civic and
cultural amenities, and light industry all can be interwoven
with a well-designed open space plan that incorporates and
respects the natural environment.
Create a Stronger Tax Base
Neighborhoods and
communities thrive when public investment is made in
greenways, parks and trails, encouraging additional public and
private investment in the area. The enhancement of "green
infrastructure" is an important aspect of redevelopment and
contributes to increased property values and, thus, tax
revenue. Neighborhoods and communities prosper, job
opportunities increase and the region stabilizes financially.
In established and growing communities, the additional open
space provided by the interconnected system also increases the
appeal to future residents and businesses.