The following report summarizes a joint proposal for the future design and development of the Town Branch Greenway in Lexington, Kentucky.  Its content includes an analysis of existing conditions, opportunities and constraints identified, issues and concerns raised in public discussions, as well as design proposals and land-use recommendations.  

This study was a planned collaborative effort between the Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of Kentucky and Friends of the Parks of Fayette County, Inc (the latter acted as the lead organization).  Much information, support, and assistance for this project was provided by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.  Funding for the charrette was awarded to the Friends of the Parks by the Kodak American Greenways Program.  Several design professionals from the local community also volunteered their time and effort during the two-day charrette that took place in mid-February (see list of participants).
 

The Greenway Concept
Before envisioning what form or function the Town Branch Greenway should assume, it is important to understand what a greenway is, and how it can add value to a community.   Although there are many types of greenways, all can be defined as linear open spaces that provide connections between elements and facilitate movement within its corridor.  That movement can either be in the form human access for recreational use, or wildlife movement that depends on a connected network of habitat for food and shelter.  Perhaps most importantly, greenways also act as linear conservation areas that protect and enhance both natural and cultural resources.  To learn more about the greenway concept, visit the trails and greenways clearinghouse. 

Many people have recognized the value of greenways.  As local recreational demands and environmental concerns increase, these open space networks are sought for the multiple benefits they can provide to the community.  While Lexington has a Greenways Plan, it has not yet been adopted by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Planning Commission.  The Greenspace Commission is currently in the process of creating a Greenways Master Plan for Fayette County.  It is hoped that this document will assist the planning process.

Kentucky’s achievements in greenway development fall behind other states in the nation that have recognized the value of these linear conservation areas (see list of case studies below).  The time has come for Lexington to reclaim and restore the Town Branch to its former glory.  The banks of the stream supported the birth of our town over 225 years ago, and it is only fitting that it should be given the honor of becoming Lexington’s finest greenway.
 

Precedent
The Town Branch Greenway proposal began by gathering information on the development of a variety of successful greenways of various scales and contexts throughout the country as precedent examples. They were: 

- South Platte River Greenway in Denver, Colorado
- Stowe Recreation Path in Stowe, Vermont
- Hudson River Valley Greenway in New York
- Monon Trail in Marion County, Indiana
- San Antonio Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas
- Dane County E-Way in Madison, Wisconsin
- Delaware State Greenway System
- Durham Greenway System in Durham, North Carolina
- Naperville Riverwalk in Naperville, Illinois

While these were only a few of the successful examples of greenway development nationwide, they provided insight into the need for a thorough inventory, dedicated individuals, a strong collaborative effort, and a shared long-range vision that can weather all the obstacles that will surely present themselves throughout the planning process.