Advantages of Trails

For the Leadership Academy's "Case Statement" on the Greater Memphis Greenline, click here.


1. Property values rise Values rise up to ¼ to ½ mile on both sides of the trail.
Additional Info:
Spreadsheet on Values and Taxes on Surrounding Land
National Park Service: "Economic Impacts of Protecting Rivers, Trails, and Greenway Corridors"
American Trails: “Impacts of Trails and Trail Use”

2. Small business flourishes, people tend to shop closer to home, and new small businesses start up.
Additional Info:
Trust for Public Land: “Benefits of Urban Open Space”
National Park Service: "Economic Impacts of Protecting Rivers, Trails, and Greenway Corridors"
Trust for Public Land: Open Space Investments Pay Big Returns
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: “Revitalization”

3. Tourism is stimulated and bikers and hikers from across the region come to use the new trails.
Additional Info:
National Park Service: "Economic Impacts of Protecting Rivers, Trails, and Greenway Corridors"
Rail-to-Trails Conservancy: “Connectivity: Reconnecting People and Places”
American Trails: “Economic Impacts of Trails”

4. People get healthier and medical bills go down.

5. Trees will add an additional $6,000,000 per year in economic value.
Additional Info:
The Value of Trees on The Greater Memphis Greenline

6. Crime at worst does not rise, and often goes down as more people are out and about.
Additional Info:
Twin Cities: Crime Stats Near Midtown Greenway
Eric Heinz: "Community involvement key in Greenline"
Trust for Public Land: “Benefits of Urban Open Space”
American Trails “Impacts of Trails and Trail Use”



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