Planning Healthier Neighbourhoods, Where Cars Sit Idle and People Get Moving

Greenways are an interconnected network of protected land that supports natural ecological processes, sustains air and water resources and contributes to a healthier quality of life. While greenways may differ in their location or function, overall, they can benefit the public and the environment by enhancing the natural beauty in neighbourhoods and communities, increasing recreational and transportation opportunities, and improving health and fitness.

Whistler, BC (PRWEB) April 21, 2005 -- From as early as 1903, renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted stated that no single park, no matter how large and how well designed, would provide the citizens with the beneficial influences of nature. Instead, parks need to be linked to one another and to surrounding residential neighborhoods." Today, the idea of linking parks for the benefit of people has evolved into the modern greenways movement. Municipalities from across the country, including North Vancouver and Whistler, have recognized the many values and incorporated the concept of greenways into community planning.

Greenways are an interconnected network of protected land that supports natural ecological processes, sustains air and water resources and contributes to a healthier quality of life. While greenways may differ in their location or function, overall, they can benefit the public and the environment by enhancing the natural beauty in neighborhoods and communities, increasing recreational and transportation opportunities, and improving health and fitness.

The need to revitalize city centers and preserve natural areas, a national commitment to fitness, and new concepts of mobility has brought greenways into the mainstream of transportation. Tom Barratt, a landscape architect based in Whistler, first learned to appreciate the benefits of greenways while a student at the University of Oregon in the late 1970s. 17,000 students and 3,000 parking spots meant that bike paths became a fundamental form of transportation and a healthier and easier choice than driving. Upon graduation, Barratt moved to Whistler as Parks Planner where influenced by his experience, Barratt was integral in the creation of Whistlers Valley Trail and park system. At that time, a project of such nature and scope was unprecedented in Western Canada. Today, the most successful recreational feature linking the valleys parks, beaches, neighborhoods and playgrounds to Whistler village, is admired and studied by municipalities throughout the country.

More recently, Barratts experience and interest in greenways led him to work on the Green Necklace project, a seven kilometer long multi-use trail and network of recreational and ecologically designed spaces that will form a continuous loop around the centre of the City of North Vancouver. The greenway will link important city parks, public spaces and natural habitats, providing safe, enhanced access for pedestrians, in-line skaters and cyclists alike. Construction on the first phase of the Green Necklace began early this year and is expected to complete in time for the Citys Centennial in 2007.

Studies have shown that suburban residents walk less, bike less, and are generally less physically fit than city dwellers. Neighborhoods often lack sidewalks and other paths safe for children, pedestrians and bicycles," says Tom Barratt, Principal of Tom Barratt Ltd. Creating greenways areas are a way that Landscape Architects and City Planners can work together to help contribute to a healthier lifestyle for residents and neighborhoods."

Other Canadian cities such as Toronto, Saskatoon and Calgary have also incorporated greenways into their community plans and organizations such as Go for Green, a national non-profit, charitable organization that encourages Canadians to pursue healthy, outdoor physical activities, are all working together to change the way communities are shaped.

Tom Barratt Ltd. is a leading firm in resort development that has undertaken landscape architecture, site planning analysis and design services for a wide range of landscape projects throughout the Lower Mainland and Whistler area. For more information, call (604) 932-3040 or visit Tom Barratt Ltd. online at www.tblla.com.

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