They were recently approved by the Greenway board and then publicly released in “Keeping It Green,” a weekly column authored by board chairman Cameron Fisher in our Sunday editions.
Additionally, the goals earned a news spot on our front page last week because they represent a continuing commitment to quality of life, enhanced health and year-round accessible recreation for our hometown residents.
Of our community’s diverse amenities, the Greenway over the past decade has become one of the most popular because of its mass appeal to all age groups, genders, cultures and recreational interests.
Enjoy walking? Visit the Greenway.
Feel like a brisk run? Visit the Greenway.
Are you more into a slow jog? Visit the Greenway.
No safe place to ride your bicycle? Visit the Greenway.
Your son just got his first skateboard, but your neighborhood streets have too much traffic? Visit the Greenway.
Your little girl wants to learn how to roller skate? Visit the Greenway.
You want to get your family off the couch and out of the house in order to enjoy an outdoor recreation together? Visit the Greenway.
Your civic club or organization needs a secure area for a new 5K fundraiser? Visit the Greenway.
Currently two strips of paved or concrete trail, the beautiful Greenway will soon become an uninterrupted four-mile stretch with the completion of Phase 5. Unsurprisingly, this was listed first by Fisher in the board’s slate of objectives for the coming year.
Although the goals are not necessarily prioritized, it is hoped each can be completed or started this year. They include:
1. Completion of Phase 5 which would offer an unbroken stretch of trail from Willow Street north to Mohawk Drive.
2. Placement of distance markers; quarter-mile increments have been discussed but a decision is pending.
3. Enhancement of the Mohawk Drive Trailhead because its popularity will grow even more with the completion of Phase 5.
4. Lights on Phase 4 which would provide enhanced safety on the stretch from Mohawk Drive to Tinsley Park.
5. Clear direction for Phase 6 because all along plans have called for the Greenway to stretch south from Willow Street to the Village Green Town Center. In 2012, the board wants to determine if this can happen, how and when.
6. Apply for grants because as wonderful an attraction as the Greenway has become, it must continue to grow to maximize its benefit to the entire community. We believe this will happen under the capable stewardship of Fisher and the existing board, and with the continuing support of Cleveland and Bradley County residents.
7. Establish an online Greenway calendar because it has become such a “busy” part of the community. The calendar would document events like fundraisers, races, cleanup days and planting days, among others.
8. Establishment of additional habitats to follow suit with the section that was designated in 2011 as an Urban Wildlife Habitat.
9. Completion of the Tinsley Park upgrade which means restoring the 20-year-old playground, the picnic area and restroom facilities. All are needed and are being let out for bid now by the city of Cleveland.
10. Identification of a third restroom location because the more the Greenway grows the more a need by trail users for this type of amenity grows.
The Greenway is one of the most unique gifts to our community because it is being made possible by our community.
We wish for its continued growth in 2012 and beyond, and the attainment of these realistic goals.
