Emma Klues, joins us to talk about the Great Rivers Greenway (GRG), a regional public agency which helps connect St. Louis City, County, and St. Charles County with a network of scenic greenways. From lush trails perfect for biking, walking, and running to the history, partnerships, and community engagement, Emma explains the mission of the Great Rivers Greenway and how it came to life in 2000. Urban spaces have been transformed into 140 miles of pathways that not only enhance the beauty of the St. Louis area, but also encourage healthier lifestyles and community connections. These greenways serve as conduits for both recreation and transportation, providing safe routes for cyclists and pedestrians alike.

Emma also shares exciting details about upcoming projects and how the community can get involved, from volunteer opportunities to participating in local meetings. It’s a lively discussion full of laughter and insightful perspectives on how green spaces can enrich our lives and bring people together. So, grab your gear and get ready to explore the great outdoors in St. Louis!

[00:00] Greenways Teaser

[00:31] Show Intro Banter

[02:23] Sponsor and Thought

[03:47] Meet Great Rivers Greenway

[05:29] Funding and Partners

[06:02] Trailnet and River Ring

[07:57] Planning and Land Access

[10:00] Maplewood Connections

[12:15] Brickline Costs and Timeline

[16:12] Break and Sponsor Ad

[17:26] Future Projects Preview

[19:03] North Grand Safety Redesign

[20:25] Hodiamont and Chain of Rocks

[22:12] Volunteering and Cleanup

[22:56] Volunteer Ways to Help

[23:50] How to Sign Up

[24:11] Why St Louis Is Unique

[25:03] Greenway Challenge Game

[25:28] Project Management and Hiring

[26:04] Partners and Free Programs

[27:22] Trail Amenities Fixit Stations

[27:53] Foundation and Fundraising

[29:04] Public Art on Greenways

[31:41] Counting Users With Sensors

[33:44] Elevator Pitch for GRG

[35:32] Sponsor and Dred Scott Message

[37:12] Wrap Up and Mental Floss

[40:42] Laughter Club and Jokes

[46:33] Final Thanks and Sign Off

Takeaways:

St. Louis offers amazing greenways for biking, running, and walking, which are a must-try.
The Great Rivers Greenway connects over 2 million people across multiple counties for outdoor fun.
Emma Klues has been a key player in building these greenways since 2014, promoting community health.
Engaging with the community is crucial for the Greenway's development, reflecting local needs and desires.
The Brickline Greenway project exemplifies long-term planning, taking years of community input before construction starts.
Volunteers can play a vital role in maintaining these greenways, from trash pickup to tree planting activities.

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

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Great Rivers Greenway: Making Pathways & Building Communities