Establishing a greenway in an area prone to hazards such as flooding, may decrease costs for potential damages. Greenways and associated vegetation can also help control water, air and noise pollution by natural means, resulting in potential decreased pollution control costs. Potential greenways, such as a utility or abandoned railroad corridors, are often attractive to illegal use such as dumping. By promoting recreational use, these areas become self-patrolled and less prone to these problems. Greenways are a way to provide open recreation spaces for every American, close to home.
Greenways are our vision of the future.
Robert D. Espeseth is emeritus professor at the University of Illinois, Department of Leisure Studies, and Kathleen M. Cassens is the deputy director of the Joliet Park District.