Why a Trails & Greenways Conference

Cities throughout the U.S. recognize the value of trail & greenway development as part of a strategy towards improving the quality of life and attracting & retaining business. Health professionals see active use of trails for positive health outcomes in our increasingly sedentary population. Trails and greenways are an excellent way to encourage people to adopt lifestyle changes that will bring lifetime health benefits. Trails and greenways positively impact individuals and improve communities by providing recreation and transportation opportunities, and influencing economic and community development. Some of the many trails and greenways benefits include:

• Encouraging physical fitness and healthy lifestyles
• Facilitating non-motorized transportation and walkable communities by providing safe, alternative access between neighborhoods, parks, schools, local shopping, and employment center
• Providing access to culturally & historically valuable areas
• Making communities better places to live by preserving and creating open spaces and wildlife habitat
• Protecting / enhancing stream corridors and other natural areas that help mitigate stormwater impacts
• Strengthening local economies and increasing property values while providing amenities which help attract potential homeowners and businesses

In Greater Cleveland, several governmental entities, planning agencies, and non-profit organizations appreciate and acknowledge the value of greenways and trails. This is reflected in a multitude of trail, open space, transportation and community master plans and proposals, including, for example, the Cuyahoga County Greenprint, and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and its system of suburban and neighborhood connector trails. However, a significant gap remains between planning and timely implementation of many projects.

Impediments to trail and greenway construction include a scarcity of resources and funding, and in some areas, a lack of acceptance and support. A need exists to raise awareness of the value and benefits and thus the priority given to trail and greenway projects. Additionally, tools are needed to help communities, planners, and advocates transform trail plans and concepts to construction ready projects and then into completed and well maintained trail infrastructure.

Outcomes

Focusing on trail and greenway development in Northeast Ohio, this series of Conferences has provided an opportunity for professionals, trail & greenway advocates, community leaders, and tourism & business interests to:

• Understand and recognize how trails & greenways benefit the economy, environment, and health of thriving communities
• Explore emerging trends in trails—design, construction, maintenance, interpretation, volunteerism, management
• Build skills for funding and project success
• Network with leading trail experts and peers; collaborate with and find partners to build support for trail endeavors
• Be inspired!

2022 Mini-Conference Planning Partners

• Big Creek Connects
• Bike Cleveland
• Canalway Partners
• Cleveland City Planning Commission
• Cleveland State University
• Cleveland Metroparks
• Cuyahoga County Planning Commission
• National Park Service
• Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency
• OHM Advisors
• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
• Share the River
• The Trust for Public Land
• University Circle Inc.
• West Creek Conservancy

Conference Co-Chairs

Any proceeds from the Conference benefit the conservation efforts and trails and greenways advocacy of the Conference Co-Chair non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations: West Creek Conservancy and Big Creek Connects

Conference Proceedings

2018 Proceedings | Conference Program

2016 Proceedings | Conference Program

2014 Proceedings | Conference Program

2012 Proceedings | Conference Program

2010 Proceedings