Greenbelt survey shows support

The Greenbelt is a widely supported resource according to results from a survey initiated by the city and the Greenbelt Task Force.

With 768 people completing a survey, task force chairman John Freeman said the results were “overwhelmingly positive” in a media release issued by the city. The survey was conducted to help the task force update the Greenbelt Master Plan, a document that has guided the Greenbelt’s development for the past 30 years.

According to the survey, 51% of respondents claim they’ve used the Greenbelt for more than 10 years, with another 23% saying they’ve used it for the past six to 10 years. A large majority say they use the Greenbelt for walking, with 89% identifying that activity as a reason for using it in the last 12 months. Nature enjoyment and dog walking were also popular responses, with 52% citing nature and 50% citing dog walking as reasons they visit. According to the survey, respondents favor using the Greenbelt throughout the spring, summer and fall months, with only 31% saying they enjoy using the Greenbelt during the winter. Additionally, 54% say they use the Greenbelt equally on weekdays and weekends, with 26% saying they use it only on the weekends and 20% using it only on weekdays.

Regarding the future of the Greenbelt, 96% support the development of more trails and trail systems within the city and 80% support use of a special purpose tax to develop outdoor recreation. Respondents cited development of trails around the Scotts Bottom and FMC Park areas as the top area they would support development, followed by more trail systems upriver towards the Green River Visitors Center and Killdeer flats.

Supported features respondents want to see along the Greenbelt include benches and shelters, water filling stations and trash bins, as well as maintenance and repairs to the walkways.

The full survey can be found on the city’s website.