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. 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 have recognized 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 trail 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.

Conference Planning Partners

• American Planning Association – Cleveland Section •
• City of Middleburg Heights •
• Cleveland City Planning Commission •
• Cleveland Metroparks •
• Cuyahoga County Board of Health •
• Cuyahoga County Planning Commission •
• Floyd Browne Group •
• Friends of Big Creek •
• LifeWorks •
• National Park Service: Rivers & Trails •
• Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency•
• Old Oak Bible Church •
• Old Oaks & Little Acorns Child Care & Learning Center •
• Polaris Career Center •
• Southwest General Health Center •
• West Creek Preservation Committee •

Read Parma Observer article May 27, 2010