Trails and Greenways Benefits

Photo of Greenway Trail in downtown Greenville 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.