This award is given in recognition of successful efforts to influence public policy relating to trail planning, trail protection, trail development, or maintenance.
Public meeting to explain the project and develop support for the West Ashley Greenway in Charleston, SC
The City of Charleston is the home of the West Ashley Greenway, an 8-mile trail laid on a former rail line.
The greenway connects 16 neighborhoods, links 3 schools, and also is located conveniently in relation to bus stops, shopping centers, and a library, among other points of interest within the city. The City of Charleston continues to lead fundraising efforts and host open houses dedicated to involving the community in the project.
The City of Charleston and the partners involved in this effort understood that a long term master plan was necessary in order to move forward with identifying further funding partners. The complete plan will take several years and cost over $4 million. To date, nearly $1 million in surfacing, sidewalk and other improvement has been spent, allocated to, is under construction or is awaiting approval by the city council and SCDOT. We hope that this will inspire other communities to keep trying to make those small connections while persevering to find funds and support for the larger projects.
