Great Rivers Greenway

The Great Rivers Greenway District, formerly known as the Metropolitan Park and Recreation District, was established in November 2000 by the successful passage of the Clean Water, Safe Parks and Community Initiative (”Proposition C”) in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County.

The Great Rivers Greenway works for a clean, green, connected St. Louis region. To achieve this mission, the District is developing The River Ring, an interconnected system of greenways, parks and trails. Through the creation of The River Ring, the Great Rivers Greenway District will provide economic, environmental and social benefits across St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County.

What are greenways?
The word “greenway” is a combination of the words “greenbelt” and “parkway.”

Greenways are open space connectors linking together parks, residential areas, nature reserves, commercial areas, civic amenities, cultural institutions, and historic sites.

Greenways are linear spaces established along natural corridors, such as streams and rivers, or along developed corridors, such as railroad right-of-ways converted for recreational use.

Greenways encourage recreation, as well as interpersonal interaction, while providing social, economic and environmental benefits to residents and visitors alike.