The Kawartha Greenway
Definition of Greenways
Greenways are linear open spaces that are managed for conservation, recreation, and/or alternative transportation uses. Greenways often follow natural features such as ridgelines or river valleys; cultural features such as canals, utility corridors, abandoned rail lines, roadways; or wherever a break appears in the land pattern. Although each greenway is unique, most greenways are networks of natural open space corridors that connect neighborhoods, parks, and schools to areas of natural, cultural, recreational, scenic and historic significance. These passageways link people and places to nature for the enjoyment and enhancement of the community. These areas typically protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat, reduce flood hazards, and maintain or improve water quality or quantity. Greenways also provide K-12 and public educational programs and may include recreational trails for walking, jogging, and/or bicycling where such use will not jeopardize the ecology. Charles Little's 1990 book Greenways for America gave further impetus to the idea and greenways
Benefits of a Greenway
Recreation
The growing popularity of outdoor recreation activities, such as running and mountain biking, combined with the rapid loss of community open spaces has increased the need for quality recreational facilities such as greenways. Greenways can not only serve as stand alone facilities, complete with parking areas and amenities such as benches and informational signage, they can also enhance the existing recreational resources in an area by linking parks, schools, and recreational centers.
Transportation
Two-thirds of all the trips we make are for a distance of 10 kms or less. Greenway trails offer transportation alternatives by connecting homes, workplaces, schools, parks, shopping centers and cultural attractions. Using trails to bicycle or walk for short-distance trips reduces air pollution and increases the mobility of those who cannot drive.
Health
According to the Health Canada, moderate exercise, such as walking and bicycling, performed on a regular basis can yield substantial health benefits for individuals. Greenway trails provide safe and convenient places for these activities, which have been proven to reduce stress, burn excess fat, and reduce a person's risk of developing cardiovascular problems, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis.
Economic
Greenways have been proven to attract and retain tourists and expand tourism revenues in many communities. Trail users spend money
in places such as hotels, restaurants, retail stores, campgrounds, bicycle shops, bed and breakfasts, gas stations, and ice cream
stands. A case in point is the Northern Central Rail Trail in rural Maryland (non motorized) which supports 264 jobs statewide and produces in
excess of $3.38 million in annual revenues.
Greenways are also economic assets that increase the real estate value of adjacent properties. A recent study from the real estate industry revealed that “walking and biking paths” ranked third among 39 features identified by homebuyers as crucial factors in their home-purchasing decisions (1994 American Lives Study). Additionally, according to a study of an urban trail in the Denver metro area, 57% of residents surveyed felt that the trail would make their home easier to sell (The Effect of Greenways on Property Values and Public Safety)
Locally the Rotary Greenway in Peterborough, Ontario provides the same type of benefits.
Economic Greenways have been proven to attract and retain tourists and expand tourism revenues in many communities. Trail users spend money in places such as hotels, restaurants, retail stores, campgrounds, bicycle shops, bed and breakfasts, gas stations, and ice cream stands. A case in point is the Northern Central Rail Trail in rural Maryland (non motorized) which supports 264 jobs statewide and produces in excess of $3.38 million in annual revenues. Greenways are also economic assets that increase the real estate value of adjacent properties. A recent study from the real estate industry revealed that “walking and biking paths” ranked third among 39 features identified by homebuyers as crucial factors in their home-purchasing decisions (1994 American Lives Study). Additionally, according to a study of an urban trail in the Denver metro area, 57% of residents surveyed felt that the trail would make their home easier to sell (The Effect of Greenways on Property Values and Public Safety). Locally the Rotary Greenway in Peterborough provides the same type of benefits.
Education
Education The interpretation of natural, historic and cultural resources along a greenway serves to educate people of all ages, gender and cultures. Examples of communities that have incorporated educational themes in the development of greenways include: the Lilac Gardens and soon to be Memorial Heritage Train Park; and the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail, where “outdoor classrooms” help children learn about surrounding natural systems.
The interpretation of natural, historic and cultural resources along a greenway serves to educate people of all ages, gender and cultures. Examples of communities that have incorporated educational themes in the development of greenways include: the Lilac Gardens and soon to be Memorial Heritage Train Park; and the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail, where “outdoor classrooms” help children learn about surrounding natural systems.
Education The interpretation of natural, historic and cultural resources along a greenway serves to educate people of all ages, gender and cultures. Examples of communities that have incorporated educational themes in the development of greenways include: the Lilac Gardens and soon to be Memorial Heritage Train Park; and the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail, where “outdoor classrooms” help children learn about surrounding natural systems.
Environmental
Greenways are important ecological tools for the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.; They improve water quality by establishing buffers along creeks and streams and providing habitat for a diversity of plant and animal species. These buffers serve as natural filters, trapping pollutants from urban runoff, eroding areas and agricultural lands. Additionally, greenways improve air quality by encouraging the use of non-motorized transportation.
Environmental Greenways are important ecological tools for the protection and enhancement of the natural environment. They improve water quality by establishing buffers along creeks and streams and providing habitat for a diversity of plant and animal species. These buffers serve as natural filters, trapping pollutants from urban runoff, eroding areas and agricultural lands. Additionally, greenways improve air quality by encouraging the use of non-motorized transportation.
Quality of Life
Communities are always looking for ways to improve quality of life, which not only includes a strong economy and low taxes, but also a clean environment, good education system, access to outdoor resources, and neighborhoods that are friendly and free of crime. Greenways are an inexpensive way for cities and towns to improve the quality of life by providing all of these benefits. An improved quality of life attracts individuals and corporations wishing to relocate and invest in the community, thereby improving the local economy as well.