The Jackson County Recreation and Parks Department is teaming up with the Greenways Commission to improve our community by creating “green corridors” along HWY 107 and around the campus of Western Carolina University.
The greenway for Jackson County is expected to begin at the intersection of HWY 107 and Old Cullowhee Rd. (the old location of Jack the Dipper) and connect with the already existent trails on the campus of Western Carolina University. The greenway is projected to run along the non-road side of the Tuckaseegee River near Webster and also pass by Southwestern Community College. There are plans to construct small parking areas along the greenway as well. This park and ride part of the greenway will greatly improve the safety of local bikers and cyclists as the greenway will reduce biker traffic along HWY 107.
Since the project is only in the initial planning phase no actual construction has begun; however, the team is currently writing for grants and has received some tax allocated funding.
Greenways are “green corridors” designed to run alongside already existent natural structures such as rivers and valleys. Greenway systems are made by taking advantage of open spaces and old, unused roads to improve the environment and create a natural area designated for gentle public recreation. They give purpose to unused land, while preserving it and providing humans with a natural, safe recreational outlet.
For more information about the Jackson County Greenway Project contact Emily Elders at (828) 293-3053 or go online to www.rec.jacksonnc.org.
