A Greenway Classification System: Defining the Function and Character of Greenways in Urban Areas

Greenways and the greenway concept have experienced resurgence in community planning. They often are placed in the realm of parks and recreation and provide park like opportunities to community residents. The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) now includes limited information on greenways in their planning and design guidelines. This paper suggests that greenways are a more complex entity than conveyed in NRPA guidelines and that park professionals should recognize this in order to be effective participants in the designation, planning, and design processes. The functions of greenways are reviewed and a classification system is suggested based on the functions and other key characteristics. The classification system is based on the premise of the Recreational Opportunity Spectrum and emerged through an applied case that involved the development of a greenway plan for a medium sized city in Texas. Suggestions for research to help park and recreation professionals deal with greenway issues are presented.

A Greenway Classification System: Defining the Function and Character of Greenways in Urban Areas Academic Article