Notes from Town Square: Green Belt is a treasure

Spring – a time of year when the earth tilts closer to the sun, and thus comes the opportunity to get outside, take a walk, breathe the fresh air and enjoy the sunshine.

The City of Green River is home to more than 12 miles of connector trails that include the Greenbelt Trail System, which meanders alongside the banks of the Green River.

The idea of a greenbelt pathway was first conceived in the 1970s, but didn’t come into fruition until a group of dedicated volunteers serving on the Green River Parks and Recreation Advisory Board moved it forward. John Freeman, who was the chairman of the board at that time, became the primary visionary; in April of 1990, a public meeting on the feasibility of a greenbelt was held.

From this meeting the Greenbelt Task Force was formed; a 501(c)3 non-profit organization who assists the City in developing the Greenbelt. Since 1992 this group has played an integral role in completing several projects; some of which include: a concrete boat ramp at Stratton-Myers Park, using city and Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s “Fish Wyoming” program and historical signs detailing the history of the river exploration on Expedition Island.

With the a donation from Exxon Corporation, the City of Green River, in collaboration with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, developed the Scott’s Bottom Nature Area.

So get out of the house and take a walk - start at the famed Expedition Island Park, it is a National Historic Site; the launching areas for John Wesley Powell’s historic trips in 1869 and 1871 down the Green and Colorado Rivers and through the Grand Canyon. This 7.1 acre park with a 0.25 mile paved and lighted pathway through the park, allows ease in observing the 15 historical interpretive signs describing the history of the Green and Colorado Rivers explorations and the two monuments to John Wesley Powell. You could take a break from your walk and enjoy the playground area, picnic shelters and attractive landscaping, or on the eastern tip of the island, one might choose to enjoy the sandy beach, a public art display and watch the activities at the Whitewater Park.

As you continue east over the Trona Bridge, which joins the island to Riverside Memorial Park, the trail will lead past, what was formerly an Overland Stage Station (located behind the game and fish office on Astle Avenue). This station, established in 1862, dates back to the settlement of Green River and was one of the largest and most important stage stations along the Overland Stage route in Wyoming.

This significant site also overlooks the historical tie booms and the site of the old ferry crossing.

Further east you will arrive at FMC Park and Scott’s Bottom Nature Area, which consists of 637 acres of a largely undeveloped area. This area has a 0.5 mile self-guided nature trail, which leads you through the abundant native grasses, wildflowers and wildlife. As you walk the trail, embrace the beauty of the nature that is synonymous with our great State of Wyoming.

The pathway provides greenbelt users with a pleasant walkway along the riverside, tying in open areas, parks and highlighting the historical background of the area.

Great appreciation goes out the dedicated members who were the driving force behind the creation of the Greenbelt Task Force and to those who are diligently serving today.

If you would like more information or to become a volunteer with the Greenbelt Task Force, contact the Parks and Recreation Office by calling 872-6151.

 

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