The Maline Greenway: two public forums coming up soon

Still in the planning stages, the Maline Greenway will eventually connect with the larger area trail network, running from Berkeley to the city of St. Louis.

Over the past eight years, the local nonprofit Great Rivers Greenway has been quietly building a region-wide network of parks, trails and bike routes all designed to encourage healthy, active living. Once completed, GRG’s 600-mile “River Ring” will encircle the entire St. Louis metro area, linking three counties and two states and offering an awesomely “green” transit alternative.

Here in North County, you can already see some of the network coming together – at the Confluence Greenway near Spanish Lake, the Sunset Greenway in Florissant, and the St. Vincent Greenway near UMSL – but one big piece of the puzzle is still in the works: the Maline Greenway. Spanning the length of Maline Creek (a historic natural stream now used for sewer drainage), the Maline Greenway will run through Berkeley, Kinloch, Ferguson, Jennings, Moline Acres, Bellefontaine Neighbors, Riverview and unincorporated NoCo, serving as a primary connector to off-road trails, public green spaces and on-street bicycle facilities. It will also be the connecting link between the St. Vincent and Confluence Greenways.

Like all GRG projects, this endeavor is being guided by substantial citizen input. In fact, during the next week, members of the public will have two opportunities to learn more about the Maline Greenway and to share their thoughts and ideas. Topics of discussion will include locating the greenway; identifying preferred amenities; issues or challenges; and protecting the natural habitat. GRG consultants will also explain how the Maline Greenway will support active and healthy lifestyles, economic development, and environmental stewardship.

And get this…everyone who attends will have a chance to win a youth bicycle! There are even free crafts for kids.

Open house #1 will be held Thursday, October 21, from 6-8pm at the Bellefontaine Community Center, 9969 Bellefontaine Road, 63137. Open house #2 will be Tuesday, October 26, from 6-8pm at McCluer South-Berkeley High School, 201 Brotherton Lane, 63135. You can show up anytime between 6 and 8, and of course, there is no cost. All are welcome!!

For more info about these upcoming public forums or the Maline Greenway in general, visit the GRG website or call (314) 621-5566. Whatever you do, just don’t miss this opportunity to participate in one of the most progressive, exciting projects in North County!

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