CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Neighborhoods across Charlotte are pushing for connected greenways.
On Sunday, eight neighborhood associations and foundations came together to advocate for a bigger greenway network. More than a hundred people make a trek from Central Avenue to Morningside Drive in east Charlotte to show how paving one small section of the Queen City could improve walkability in the area.
The event ended at Legion Brewing with greenway advocates putting out a petition for people to sign.
According to a local nonprofit organization, Greenways for Mecklenburg, the county has 47 miles of greenways, which is just a fraction of the roughly 200 miles envisioned by the group.
Greenways for Mecklenburg said it will take 40 to 50 years to complete that at the current construction rate but they’re pushing to speed up that timeline.
“To have over a hundred people coming out on a Sunday afternoon on Earth Day rallying for a greenway is a real sign that most of the citizens of Mecklenburg want to see this vision become a reality," said Rick Winiker, board member of Greenways for Mecklenburg.
Greenways for Mecklenburg believes the county has the capability to have a connected greenway system by 2035 if it’s made a priority. The nonprofit will also be going to the northern parts of Mecklenburg County soon to advocate for greenway expansions there.
Those interested in reading more about Greenways for Mecklenburg can click here for more information.