GREENWAYS AND TRAILS
WHO BENEFITS?
Greenways and trails offer tremendous benefits to the community. They are
good for the environment, good for business, excellent recreational and health
benefits and wonderful natural amenities. Greenway and trails are often local
projects, driven by neighborhood associations, and local groups.
HUMAN/CULTURAL IMPACTS
Greenways and trails provide many benefits to people, both to individuals and
to the community as a whole. These include visual quality of open space. Close
to home recreation areas for bicyclists, walkers, joggers, equestrians, hikers
and bird-watchers. Environmental appreciation and educational opportunities are
also experienced for both young and adults.
PROPERTY VALUES AND TRAILS
Property values adjacent to trails have shown increased values and are an
added real estate selling feature. Increases in property value range from 5 to
32%, according to a report by the U.S. National Parks Service that cites
examples from across the country. California communities such as Rancho
PalosVerdes and Norco with dedicated trails have a premium real estate value
compared to surrounding communities.
SOIL EROSION
Erosion can occur along trails when use is not managed properly. Creating
trail volunteer maintenance groups can help solve many problems and add to the
community pride of the area. “Adopt A Trail” program has also been
successful in trail maintenance.
CRIME
The possibility of attacks on people using secluded trails is often cited as
a concern in discussions about greenway and trail conservation, the truth is
that greenways and trails generally have very low crime rates. Studies
consistently report no increase in crimes such as trespassing, burglary and
vandalism can be attributed to a trail or greenway. One study concluded that
most property owners believed there were fewer problems after creations of the
Lafayette/Moraga Trail near San Francisco and 92 percent felt the trail had
improved the quality of their neighborhoods. Many homeowners with trails keep a
better look out at the neighbors homes and properties helping in protection. It
creates a natural “Neighborhood Watch” type program.
