What?

Greater Memphis Greenline, Inc. wants to see Memphis and the Mid-South be covered in a network of greeways. The CSX Greenline is the first step toward that goal. It is a 6-mile long, 10-foot wide, paved trail from Tillman St. and Walnut Grove to the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy building on Farm Road. The Greenline is an example of what is called a "rails-to-trails" project. You can read all about these project here, at the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's web site.

Here are some photos of what the line looked like in June 2008. Since then, the rails and timbers have been pulled up and removed. The new construction, including crosswalks, barriers for cars and more are being designed by Ritchie Smith Associates, a local firm with years of experince building greenways and eco-friendly developments.

“The urban park greenway project is providing Shelby County Government, in partnership with the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy and the Greater Memphis Greenline, another opportunity to advance the quality of life for residents,” said Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton, Jr. “We have forged a great team that will hit the ground running, and with public input and support, we will create another wonderful recreational amenity that provides a large portion of our urban community ready access to a world-class park.

Why?

The idea behind the Greenline is the same idea behind public parks and other green areas: to get people engaged with each other and the enviroment. As Mayor Wharton said at a public Greenline meeting in July 2008: "It's about connecting citizens to the sidewalk instead of the sofa."

When?

Phase One is currently underway. It includes several road-trail crossings and re-furbishing three bridges. You can see renderings here from Ritchie Smith Associates, the designers of Phase One.

Phase Two will include multiple improvements to and along the line. Here are some photos of other rails-to-trails projects with additional amenities.

Where?

The Greenline takes advantge of an abandonded CSX railroad that winds across the county. This line runs through many of Memphis' well-known neighborhoods and runs along the north edge of Shelby Farms Park. It will be roughly 6 miles long and stretch from Tillman Street near Walnut Grove (down the street from Republic Coffee) and end at Shelby Farms where Farm Road dead ends. See a larger version of the map above here.

This video gives a great overview of the trail's path through the city:

Who?

The Greater Memphis Greenline is a group of Memphians who care about their city and the outdoors. As the GMG Board President said, "We're just here making noise." The CSX Greenline will be managed by the people of the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy. The GMG will be heading up the volunteer and community-based efforts in conjuction with the SFPC. The SFPC has posted a survey to question Memphians about thier outdoor habits. Please fill it out by going here.



Some quotes and info courtesy of the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy website.