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Benefits of a Trail for Franklin County Indiana |
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Historic Preservation/Community Identity
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Many community leaders have been surprised at how
trails have become sources of community identity and pride. These
effects are magnified when communities use trails and greenways to
highlight and provide access to historic and cultural resources. Many
trails and greenways themselves preserve historically significant
transportation corridors. The fact sheet "Preserving Historic and
Cultural Resources" has more information. |
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Economy/Revitalization View as a PDF
More Economic Benefits |
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The economic effects of trails and greenways are
sometimes readily apparent (as in the case of trailside businesses), and
are sometimes more subtle, like when a company decides to move to a
particular community because of amenities like trails. There is no
question, however, that countless communities across America have
experienced an economic revitalization due in whole or in part to trails
and greenways. Check out "Economic Benefits of Trails and
Greenways," our fact sheet describing the growing evidence of the
positive economic impact of greenways and trails. |
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Conservation/Environment |
| Linear greenspaces including trails and greenways have all the traditional conservation benefits of preserving greenspace, but also have additional benefits by way of their linear nature. As tools for ecology and conservation, greenways and trails help preserve important natural landscapes, provide needed links between fragmented habitats, and offer tremendous opportunities for protecting plant and animal species. They also can be useful tools for wetland preservation and improvement of air and water quality. In addition, they can allow humans to experience nature with minimal environmental impact. See the fact sheet "Enhancing the Environment with Trails and Greenways" for further details. |
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Transportation/Livability |
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In addition to providing a safe place for people
to enjoy recreational activities, greenways and trails often function as
viable transportation corridors. Trails can be a crucial element to a
seamless urban or regional multi-modal transportation system. Many areas
of the country incorporate trails and similar facilities into their
transit plans, relying upon trail facilities to "feed" people
in to and out of transit stations in a safe and efficient manner. The
ability to avoid congested streets and highways, and travel through
natural areas on foot or by non-motorized means, is a large factor in a
community's "livability." Check out the "Trails and
Greenways for Livable Communities" fact sheet for more information.
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History and Local Culture History is preserved, local culture is enhanced .Natural habitats for wildlife. Educational resources for schools, scout groups and other community groups. Pleasant route for walking, running, and bicycling. Very inexpensive to maintain. Property values near trails increase and local economies are boosted by trail users. Auto-free, level grades, great for exercising. A link that can join several communities together. Health Benefits Trails and greenways create healthy recreation and transportation opportunities by providing people of all ages with attractive, safe, accessible and low- or no-cost places to cycle, walk, hike, jog or skate. Trails help people of all ages incorporate exercise into their daily routines by connecting them with places they want or need to go. Communities that encourage physical activity by making use of the linear corridors can see a significant effect on public health and wellness. In our fact sheet "Health and Wellness Benefits," see how trails and greenways are helping to create healthy communities from coast to coast.
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Benefits of a Trail for Franklin County
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