The Mecklenburg County greenway system is quickly becoming one of the finest in the nation. Greenways are linear parks that connect people and places. Greenways are vegetated natural buffers that promote water quality, help reduce the impacts of flooding, and provide wildlife habitat. Greenway trails provide recreation, transportation, fitness, and economic benefits for all to enjoy. There are currently 49 miles of developed greenway trails in Mecklenburg County, with more being built every year.
Neighborhood Benefits
- Connect and link people to adjacent neighborhoods, landmarks and activities
- Pedestrian-oriented accessibility
- Increase in property values and residential safety
Recreational Benefits
- Provides for hiking, strolling, biking and other community-wide recreational activities
- Close-to-home and work access to greater proportions of the population
- Promote Charlotte Mecklenburg as an active health-conscious community
Transportation Benefits
- Offer convenient, safer and accessible opportunities for active transportation
- Non-motorized users
- Connect to important destinations
Community Benefits
- Improve overall quality of life
- Improve health and fitness
- Encourage a sense of community and place
- Festivals
- Spaces available for special events
Educational Benefits
- Promote Greenway link to schools, cultural, civic and religious centers
- Environmental awareness education programs
- Create natural, interpretative trails, outdoor amphitheaters and open-air studios
Environmental Benefits
- Promote water quality by buffering streams and trapping pollutants
- Preserve wildlife habitat biodiversity
- Help reducing flooding damage by reserving riparian land
- Reduce traffic congestions and promote clean air
- Provide a place to enjoy nature in all seasons