GREENWAYS AND OPEN SPACE

 
   

What Is It?

The term"open space" refers to undeveloped areas which may or may not include significant environmental features, such as wetlands, or to areas such as agricultural land or parks. Greenways are corridors of protected open space managed for conservation, recreation and transportation purposes. Greenways often follow natural land or water features and link nature preserves, parks, cultural features and historic sites with each other and with populated areas. While open space preservation maintains habitats and protects a diverse ecology, trails and greenways improve communities by providing recreation and transportation opportunities in addition to positively influencing economic and community development.

Shared Impact and Benefits

  • Open space, trails and greenways improve air quality by protecting the plants that naturally create oxygen and filter out air pollutants such as ozone, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide.

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  • Trails and greenways provide a safe, inviting and inexpensive avenue for regular exercise.

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  • Trails and greenways can boost economic renewal and growth. Tourism and recreation-related spending on items such as bicycles, in-line skates and lodging are just a few of the ways trails and greenways positively impact community economies.

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  • Open space and greenways may mitigate flood damage, serving as natural floodplains. A protected floodplain works as a"safety valve" for flooding. It also serves as a natural buffer that protects streams, rivers, and lakes from runoff from non-point source pollution.

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  • Greenways have been shown to increase property values and give adjacent properties greater marketability.

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  • Open space and greenways protect important habitat and provide corridors for people and wildlife.

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Costs

The costs for developing the open space or greenway plan will include staff time and/or consulting fees. The cost of acquiring the open space will vary according to the amount of land to be acquired and the methods used for doing so.

   
 

This Action Item can be implemented as a

POLICY
ORDINANCE
PROGRAM

 

How long does this take to implement?

Developing the greenway/open space plan itself will take from a few months to a year or more. Implementing the plan is a long-term and on-going project.

   

  • A formal plan for open space preservation and greenways provides a framework for future growth by prioritizing what open space should be protected and what open space should be available for development.
  • Greenways and open spaces also can preserve critical environmental areas, provide recreational opportunities and guide new growth into existing communities.