Economic Benefits:

• Increases Personal Property Values:Proximity to Greenways can increase property values more than 10%. National Recreation and Park Association article,“Measuring the Impact of Parks of Property Values” by Sarah Nicholls, Ph.D.
• City becomes more desirable place to live: The top four suburban communities rated by Sunset, February 2007, have master plans for significant open space and miles of multi-use trails.

Environmental Benefits:

• Preservation of Wildlife Habitat: The bay area is predicted to grow by over 2 million people in the next 20 years. If cities and counties do not change their development patterns, thousands of acres of open space will be lost. The ensuing loss of habitat could threaten 257 imperiled species in the bay area. “Sprawl Endangers Hundreds of Nation’s Imperiled Species”, January 2005 Greenbelt Alliance
• Urban Hiking and Biking right from your door reduces traffic and greenhouse gases: “The cars and trucks contribute 44% of all the Bay Area’s greenhouse gas emissions. We can reduce emissions through more compact development”. ‘Turning up the Heat on Sprawl: Fighting Global Warming with Better Land Use’, Greenbelt Alliance

Personal Health and Quality of Life

• Access to Trails encourages more Physical Activity: ‘A 2004 study quantifies the benefits of money spent on trail development from a health standpoint. The conclusion is that for every dollar spent on trails nearly three dollars of public health benefits are produced.’Journal: Health Promotion Practice April 2005
• Builds Community: Neighbors meet and greet on the trail while local non-profits and businesses unite together towards a common goal. In Anchorage the trail system unites diverse users and activities. Outdoor recreational groups and businesses have partnered with the City building, maintaining and advocating trails throughout the region. ‘American Pathways: Case Studies in Successful Partnering for Trails and Greenways’, American Hiking Society and the National Park Service 1997.