Perception and use of a metropolitan greenway system for recreation

Greenway development efforts often give priority to corridor length and linkages as top selection criteria, but other factors are also critical in ensuring a successful network of greenways for recreation. On-site surveys of recreationists (n = 2873) who used a diverse sample of 13 greenway trails in metropolitan Chicago showed that trail location relative to home strongly influenced how a greenway trail was used, who used it, how often it was used, and other factors. “Local”, “regional”, and “state” trails are distinguished on the basis of use patterns, preferences, and perceptions, with each trail type filling a unique role within a metropolitan greenway system. In contrast to some greenway planning strategies, study data suggest that from a recreational use perspective, local rather than regional trails should form the basic framework of a metropolitan system. Study findings also demonstrate how vegetation management, trail surfacing, maintenance, and other factors can affect use patterns and preferences. Location, design, and management decisions that incorporate trail user information can help metropolitan greenway systems achieve a broad range of recreational, social, and environmental goals.