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 In This Section |
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 Greenways
101
What is a Greenway?
The word "greenway" means
different things to different people. Since the 19th century, "greenway"
has been used to describe a variety of linear corridors across the land
that conserve natural areas and provide people with recreation and transportation
opportunities. Often greenways are associated with off-road trails, such
as the Appalachian
Trail or the Pine Creek Rail-Trail, although not all greenways include
trails.
There is a growing national movement to promote greenways, especially
since 1987 when the President's Commission on American Outdoors recommended
establishing a national greenways network.
A greenways network is similar to a roadway network, which connects all
kinds of destinations through a linear system. However, a greenways network
is designed for recreation, conservation, and smart land use - a network
for people, nature, and "livable"
communities.
Greenways are often established and managed through partnerships between
municipalities, counties, and non-profit organizations. Pennsylvania's
statewide Greenways Program was established by the Governor in 2001 to
promote and support the many local and regional greenway efforts in all
67 counties. The vision is to create a network
of greenways throughout the Commonwealth, with a greenway in every
community by 2020. |
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| PA
Greenways Vision |
Pennsylvania and its many
partners will develop an outstanding network
of greenways across the Commonwealth, creating an asset highly
valued by Pennsylvanian and enhancing the quality of life for all.
This network of greenways will connect Pennsylvania's open space,
natural landscape features, scenic, cultural, historic, and recreation
sites, and urban and rural communities. Greenways will become one
of the Commonwealths most powerful tools to achieve sustainable
growth and liveable communities.
- From Pennsylvania
Greenways: An Action Plan for Creating Connections, June 2001
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