A citywide Greenbelt that connects all the way from Alberta City to downtown would be an important part of creating a more connected, livable, and healthy city. A Greenbelt is basically a long linear park that links green spaces, parks, neighborhoods, and commercial areas by pedestrian and bike paths.

Some of the land affected by the storm lies within the flood plain and will not be able to be built back. The city will acquire this land and, along with a handful of right-of-way acquisitions, could combine these parcels to form the backbone of a Greenbelt. The Greenbelt should naturally be connected to the Riverwalk, creating pedestrian and bike corridors throughout the city. By connecting potential active and passive parks to neighborhoods and commercial areas, the Greenbelt would be a prime recreational tool as well as an economic development engine for the city.

The challenges to this plan will be convincing business owners and residents of the value of a Greenbelt. This kind of progressive and pedestrian/bike friendly initiative is somewhat hard to sell to a city designed around the automobile. Also, finding creative ways to cross the major and heavily trafficked arteries of our city (McFarland and 15th St. especially) will be a challenge. But, the longterm benefits of this kind of comprehensive plan far outweigh the challenges. Decreased automotive traffic, a greener and more healthy city, and quiet urban trails connecting work and home would benefit everyone.