Greenway Has Most Progressive Year in 2005

The year 2005 has been the most productive year in the history of the Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway.  Hundreds, if not thousands of residents have come to enjoy the linear park, which was first conceived in 2000 and is now hitting a progressive stride.

Slated to eventually stretch from the Village Green to the Hiwassee River, several key events took place this past year that thrust the greenway into the limelight on several occasions. In 2001, Phase I of the greenway was installed as a half-mile-long stretch of pavement from 20^th to 25^th Streets and included a pedestrian bridge crossing Mouse Creek. Phase I has served as the example and catalyst for further developments and includes lights, benches and trash receptacles.  

In 2005 a federal grant was received from the State of Tennessee to construct Phase II. For several months in the spring and summer, construction crews cleared land, poured cement and paved parking areas along the near-mile long ribbon of sidewalk from 25^th Street to Raider Drive. Phase II incorporated a pedestrian bridge crossing Mouse Creek at Northway Plaza, as well as an underpass that snakes under Keith Street at the Northway Plaza and either terminates or starts at Raider Drive.

Also as a part of Phase II, a trailhead and 18-space parking lot at Harris Circle was officially dedicated to long-time City Attorney Harlan Painter. A few weeks later, the ribbon to Phase II was ceremoniously cut following a recognition luncheon for organizations and individuals who have been instrumental in the development of the greenway to this day.  Both Phase I and II are now complete with light posts for the length of the path.

Due to construction delays at the Keith and 25^th Street intersection, an underpass connecting Phase I with Phase II was finally opened in November. Pedestrians, joggers and bikers can now take advantage of the greenway with unimpeded movement from 20^th Street to Raider Drive.

A final note on the progress of the Greenway in 2005 comes in the form of a quarter-mile stretch that was funded by Home Depot between Paul Huff Parkway and Mohawk Drive. The project was part of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) when Home Depot agreed to build in Cleveland. The completion of this stretch of the greenway is an excellent illustration of corporate cooperation.

A grant request for Phase III connecting 20^th Street to Willow Ave. is currently being reviewed by the State and a response is expected in 2006. Other developments/phases in the works are a continuation from Raider Drive to Tinsley Park (connecting with the existing Tinsley Park trail), and an eventual connection from Tinsley Park to Paul Huff Parkway. Long-term plans will finish the greenway to its terminus at the Hiwassee River.

The Greenway is under the jurisdiction of a board consisting of persons representing several areas key to the success of the project. It is made up of nine members with four appointments from the Bradley County Commission, four appointments from the Cleveland City Council and one appointment by the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. In addition, the city and county planners' offices have representatives. Members of the Greenway Board include: City Councilman Richard Banks, County Commissioner Matthew Brown (chairman), Scot Carter, Judy Chandler, County Mayor Gary Davis, Bill Estes, Cameron Fisher, Kim Kerr Duncan, Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland and Paul Wyrick.

Also established in 2005 was the posting of a Web site for the greenway. At www.cbcgreenway.com, visitors can obtain information about future plans, funding, maps and past news.