department of parks and
recreation
Trails and Greenways Benefits
By
adopting the Trails & Greenways Master Plan in 2008 City Council has recognized
the importance of connecting residents and visitors alike to popular
destinations throughout the City of Greenville. Implementation of the Master
Plan and development of our Trails System will benefit City residents,
businesses and visitors in numerous ways:
- Creating Value and Generating Economic Activity
A fully developed trail network will bring economic benefits to the City of
Greenville, including raising real property values and increasing tourism and
recreation-related revenues. In other communities, greenway trails have proven
to raise property values and attract businesses to locations along a greenway.
In fact, just west of downtown TTR Bikes has relocated on Hudson Street, just a
quarter mile from the “Western Rail Trail.” For more information on the economic
benefits of greenway trails, please visit the Rails to Trails Conservancy.
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation
A complete Trails System, as part of Greenville’s local transportation system,
will offer effective transportation alternatives by connecting homes,
workplaces, schools, parks, downtown and cultural attractions. The Trails System
intertwines with the
Greenlink bus routes,
sidewalks and on-street bicycle facilities such as bicycle lanes and signed bike
routes. For more information about the Bicycle Friendly Community effort in
Greenville, visit
Bikeville. Or, read the Rails to Trails Mobility Factsheet.
- Improving Health through Active Living
Greenville’s Trails System contributes to the overall health of citizens by
offering people attractive, safe and accessible places to bike, walk, hike, jog
and skate. In short, the Trails System, as it continues to develop, will create
better opportunities for active lifestyles. Rails to Trails Public Health Fact Sheet.
- Clear Skies, Clean Rivers, and Protected Wildlife
Trials and Greenways can reduce air pollution by providing safe and enjoyable
alternatives to automobiles which reduces the burning of fossil fuels as well as
protects large areas of plants that create oxygen and filter air pollutants.
Greenways improve water quality by creating a natural buffer zone that protects
streams, rivers, and lakes preventing soil erosion and filtering pollution
caused by agricultural and road runoff. Greenways also protect and link
fragmented habitat and provide opportunities for protecting plant and animal
species. Rails to Trails Climate Change Fact Sheet.
- Protecting People and Property from Flood Damage
The protection of open spaces associated with trial and greenway development
often also protects natural floodplains along rivers and streams. In many cases
throughout Greenville trails are constructed in flood plains—areas not suitable
for most development.
- Enhancing Cultural Awareness and Community
Greenways serve as connections to our heritage by preserving historic places and
by providing access to them. They also serve as great recreation and
transportation corridors connecting communities, in some cases better than the
street network.