Benefits

Open space and greenways provide a variety of benefits the ultimately affect the sustainability of economic, environmental, and social health. A summary of these benefits can also be found in the Benefits of Open Space and Greenways Brochure.

Cyclists, joggers, strollers, skaters, people in wheelchairs or who are mobility-impaired, dog walkers, bird watchers, kids and adults, families and friends, recreational users and commuters—in short, everyone and anyone—gain from the presence and production of greenways. As levels of obesity and diabetes rise among our population, the need to stay fit and healthy has never been more urgent.

Neighborhood Benefits

Connect and link residents to adjacent neighborhoods, landmarks and activities

Enhance cultural awareness and community identity

Provide pedestrian-oriented acessibility

Increase property values and residential safety

Recreational Benefits

Provide for hiking, strolling, biking and other community-wide recreational activities

Improve health through active living

Offer close-to-home and work access to greater segments of the population

Promote Wake Forest as an active health-conscious community

Active Transportation

Designed for non-motorized users

Connect users to important destinations

Educational Benefits

Promote greenway links to schools, cultural, civic and religious centers

Foster environmental awareness education programs

Create natural, interpretative trails, outdoor amphitheaters and open-air studios

Environmental Benefits

Improve water quality by buffering streams and trapping pollutants

Preserve wildlife habitat biodiversity

Reduce flood damage

Reduce traffic congestion and promote clean air