Great Rivers Greenway District holds series of forums

November 17, 2007

This week, the Great Rivers Greenway District held open house public forums in St. Charles, O’Fallon and St. Peters,  regarding the Dardenne Greenway.

The Dardenne Greenway is part of a region-wide interconnected system of trails, greenways and parks known as the River Ring, encircling the St. Louis region.

These open houses offered the public opportunities to learn about the greenway by viewing displays and talking with project representatives.  Two previous public forums were held in May of 2007 and October of 2006. A survey of property owners was also considered.

Nancy Ulman, project manager, was nearby for questions. She stated that businesses may develop along the trails. She also said Dardenne Creek will become an amenity instead of something to drive by.

Plans include the Dardenne Greenway going through the Busch Conservation Area and linking the Katy Trail with the Missouri Research Park Trail.

Barat Haven is the first built portion. This area could set the stage for connections to WingHaven, Lake Saint Louis and beyond Wentzville.

Lindsay Bacurin from SWT Design, consultants on the project, spoke to sccworlds.com about the areas to be completed first. These areas are being called the SEED areas. Including Dardenne Prairie, upcoming greenway projects would be in Cottleville and Rabbit Run Park.  

Connected trails have been said to reduce dependency on vehicular transportation and promote walking and bicycling to school, work and shopping while respecting the natural environment.

More benefits of an interconnected system have been cited as:
            Economic growth stimulation;
            Property value increases;
            Tax base improvements;
            Business development; and
            Interaction of citizens and neighborhoods.