Landscape design evolved at least in part to develop and integrate the space between buildings. A building may be beautiful on its own but a beautiful setting can make even a so-so building come alive. Americans have always had a high priority for creating livable spaces in and around our cities. As populations continue to grow, it has become more difficult to find the green spaces that soothe the senses and make life…well, more liveable.

Landscape architect Phil Lewis calls them “E-ways,” for the main purposes of environment, ecology, education, and exercise. Abandoned rail lines are getting a new life as multipurpose rail-trails for activities such as bicycling, hiking, walking, and in-line skating.

A Pima County bond proposal last year earmarked a significant amount for trails. These additions would still leave us well short of the 100-mile-long river park loop around the metro area that local planners and the trails community have proposed since the late 1980s. The trails and river parks system has even farther to go to meet a 1989 county plan’s goal of a 500-mile network along washes and creeks.

Comprehensive list of trails –
http://www.traillink.com

 

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