1. University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Landscape Architecture Franklin-Simpson County Greenways enhance the visual character and walkability of a community by offering pedestrian scenic byways. Greenway Connectivity Greenways Can Increase property values by preserving natural and scenic amenities. Protect natural features that make communities unique and special. Provide important habitat corridors for wildlife movement. Provide recreational opportunities such as equestrian, bike, and walking trails. Offer non-vehicular connections between communities and recreational areas. Assist to maintain a healthier ecosystem and enhanced quality of life. Greenspace, Greenways, Greenbelts Greenspace is defined as open space, such as a parks, nature preserves or an undeveloped floodplain, and does not always incorporate pedestrian uses. Greenways are greenspaces dedicated for ecological sustainability and/or pedestrian uses and located along man-made or natural corridors, such as streams and ridgelines. Greenbelts are a collection of greenspaces and greenways that make up a network of interconnected trails through communities and regions. Data Source: Kentucky Geography Network (www.kygeonet.ky.gov) Areas most suitable for greenways are identified with a composite map by overlaying four factors: Successful Greenway Systems Owensboro has nearly completed a 15 mile long greenbelt that encircles the city, connecting amenities such as schools, business, and neighborhoods. Lexington has a greenway system that includes on-road and off-road trails as well as bike paths throughout the county. Bowling Green is implementing a county wide greenway master plan for biking, canoeing, walking, and jogging. Recreational Opportunities Active Recreation: Recreation that requires the participant to be physically active such as kayaking, rock climbing, and organized team sports. Passive Recreation: Recreation activities that require limited physical exertion such as walking, bird watching, or kite flying. Existing and proposed recreational opportunities in Franklin-Simpson County: Jim Roberts Park Lincoln Park Drakes Creek Red River Garvin’s World Implementation of a defined greenway allows farm owners to continue producing value from the land while also reducing the ecological destruction of erosion and polluted runoff into the stream. A typical rural landscape without established buffer zones or greenbelts along the stream corridor to protect it from ecological destruction, such as stream bank erosion, or pollutants, such as fertilizers and pesticides. These facilities will not be sufficient in coming years to support the standards for recreation recommended by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). What are Greenways? Stream Corridors Forested Areas Sinkhole Watersheds Areas Suitable for Greenways Franklin I-65 31W Route 100 Source: FMR. (February 13, 2003). Mississippi Greenways. Retrieved April 12, 2006, from (www.fmr.org/dakgrnwy.html) Adapted from photo: phase1trail [Image of walking path], Retrieved April 12, 2006, from: http://www.louisvillewaterfront.com/Graphics/pictures/phase1trail.jpg Greenways can be looked at as obstacles to future development. While greenways can protect the most environmentally sensitive and scenic lands, they can also guide the direction of development for industries, neighborhoods, and agricultural areas. The establishment of greenways can expand active and passive recreational opportunities for teens, families, and the elderly. Why Greenways? With greenway bufferWithout greenway buffer N Where are Greenways Most Suitable? Wetlands Areas Suitable for Greenways Streams & Rivers Drake Creek Red River Destinations