Asheville’s Citizen-Times Editorial: Greenway benefits surely outweigh the costs
Posted on March 5, 2008
Filed Under bikes, elsewhere, environment, out of town, urban design
Editorial, Asheville Citizen-Times
published March 4, 2008
Buncombe County’s plans for a series of greenways promises benefits to residents and visitors that will more than outweigh the costs.
Whether used for recreation or to get to work, school, shopping or some other destination, outdoor pathways for walking, jogging and riding bicycles give people the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the county’s mountain vistas while garnering the benefits of healthy exercise.
The need for parks and greenways increases as the county’s population grows and previously open spaces are gobbled up for development. Ironically, as the demand is increasing, so is the cost to buy land to create such facilities.
But, as we have noted previously, it’s not too much of a stretch to argue that money spent on parks is money saved in health care and law enforcement costs.
Health benefits
Studies have found that in a greener environment (more parks and opportunities for recreational activities) people report fewer health complaints and more often rate themselves as being in good health and as having good mental health. With 57 percent of Buncombe County residents overweight or obese, the need for places to participate in healthy physical exercise is undeniable.
Studies also have produced evidence that young people who live in communities rich in recreational opportunities experience less risk of anti-social behavior and higher rates of positive development.
Greenways, like parks, help build strong communities. Residents living near public green spaces report being more familiar with their nearby neighbors, socializing with them more and feeling safer than residents with no nearby green areas.
Devoting tax dollars to greenways not only improves residents’ lives, it may well save them money and grief in the long run.
Time is now
The county manages a number of parks, but doesn’t maintain any greenways. Fortunately, commissioners appear to recognize that it’s time to remedy that.
Commissioner David Young said parks and greenways spur economic growth.
“Companies are looking at what quality of life you have and how healthy your citizens are,” Young said. “It makes our community a more livable place for our citizens and those who want to come here.”
With the constantly rising cost of health insurance, it’s easy to understand why companies might look at whether a community’s residents are generally healthier than average before deciding to locate there.
Exercise access
Lower obesity rates correlate with “having things within walking or biking distance and having safe and direct ways to get there,” Kelly Evenson, who teaches epidemiology at UNC Chapel Hill and specializes in the effects of physical activity, told a Citizen-Times reporter recently.
“The one consistent voice I’ve heard from the community is that people want more parks, greenways and trails, and I think as leaders we have to find ways to make that happen,” Commissioner David Gantt said.
Planning for a system of county greenways is still in the early stages, so no cost estimates for the purchase of easements have been created.
Gantt said he’d like to see the county hire someone to seek grant funding and partnerships for greenway development. Doing so could move the process of developing a plan, acquiring easements and constructing the greenways forward more quickly.
As with the City of Asheville’s greenway plans, timing is critical.
Development in the region continues to move at a brisk pace. As more land is developed and prices rise, there will be less and less opportunity to create greenways and contiguous trails at an affordable cost.
We commend commissioners for recognizing the need for greenways and the benefits they would bring. We urge them to move forward with all due haste.
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