Initiatives in metropolitan areas across the country, including Boston, Denver and Minneapolis, demonstrate the benefits of an interconnected system of greenways, parks and trails. The benefits go far beyond recreational use: economic growth is stimulated; property values increase; tax bases improve; new businesses develop; citizens and neighborhoods interact; open space is preserved; and healthier lifestyles are encouraged.

Improve Everyday Living -

An interconnected system encourages neighborhood and community lifestyles that emphasize outdoor recreation and promote walking and bicycling to school, work and shopping. By linking the system to streets, sidewalks and other public spaces, it helps communities and neighborhoods to function in a more connected, healthy and enjoyable way.

Link a Community's Resources -

By providing physical connections and green "buffers," a system of greenways, parks and trails helps unite spaces within a community. Residential and commercial districts, educational campuses, civic and cultural amenities, and light industry all can be interwoven with a well-designed open space plan that incorporates and respects the natural environment.

Create a Stronger Tax Base -

Neighborhoods and communities thrive when public investment is made in greenways, parks and trails, encouraging additional public and private investment in the area. The enhancement of "green infrastructure" is an important aspect of redevelopment and contributes to increased property values and, thus, tax revenue. Neighborhoods and communities prosper, job opportunities increase and the region stabilizes financially. In established and growing communities, the additional open space provided by the interconnected system also increases the appeal to future residents and businesses.