Greenways – Landscape Architects LAA

A greenway is a route which good from an environmental point of view. In character they can range from 'urban' to 'rural' — A greenway is a route which good from an environmental point of view. In character they can range from ‘urban’ to ‘rural’

A greenway is a route which is good from an environmental point of view. The term was coined from the ‘green’ in greenbelt and and the ‘way’ in parkway. Charles Little defined a greenway as ‘A linear open space established along either a natural corridor, such as a riverfront, stream valley, or ridgeline, or overland along a railroad right-of-way converted to recreational use, a canal, scenic road or other route. It is a natural or landscaped course for pedestrian or bicycle passage; an open-space connector linking parks, nature reserves, cultural features, or historic sites with each other and with populated areas; locally certain strip or linear parks designated as parkway or greenbelt.’

Since most of our working lives are now spent in sedentary activities, when they used to be spent energetically, we want to spent more of our leisure in exercising our bodies. Society therefore has relatively more need for greenways and less need for public parks devoted to passive recreation. Greenways also accommodate green transport routes. The landscape architecture profession should devote much of its effort to the planning and design of greenways. The two best oportunities for creating a network are with river reclamation and green streets.