The Murfreesboro Greenway System is a public area for the community to enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty of some of the local, preserved sanctuaries in our bustling city. The Greenway has recently experienced some updates, expansions and transformations that will allow easier and additional access to the al fresco scenery of Murfreesboro and to economical and healthy activities.
The Greenway System consists of 10 miles of beautifully landscaped and preserved walking trails connecting the historical sites located around the community. There are 11 access points that are open to the public: Thompson Lane, Broad Street, General Bragg, College Street, Redoubt Brannan, Manson Pike, Fortress Rosecrans, Overall Street, Old Fort Park, Cannonsburgh and Cason Trail.
Over the last few years, and continuing in the future, the Greenway System is going through a four-phase expansion project.
In 2006, Phase 1 was completed with an additional .75 miles of walking trail added to the Old Fort Parkway trail series and the update and addition of restrooms, pavilions, fencing, new signage and landscaping.
Phase 2 was completed in fall of 2009 at the Cason Lane trailhead. This was a large project that added three miles and a new trailhead entrance to this area. Landscaping, new signage, pavilions and new bridge work were added to create a beautifully scenic area for the community to enjoy the outdoors and the Stones River.
This expansion included the addition of the Gateway Island and trail portion of the Greenway. The striking views of the water and greenery can be found at the College Street Trailhead. This is a perfect spot for receptions and get-togethers.
Phases 3 and 4 are still in the planning and surveying stages at this time, but they will include the addition of more than three miles to several branches of the trail.
The Greenway is home to many community activities that the public can access. Many of these activities are free, such as the paved paths that take walkers, joggers, runners, skaters and bicyclists through scenic areas such as the battlefields and the rushing Stones River.
At many access points, the public can enjoy community parks and playgrounds. Old Fort Park houses newly renovated tennis courts, which can be reserved for public play.
Addy Marshall, 22, takes an aerobics walking class every Saturday morning that is affiliated with Middle Tennessee State University. The class meets from 11 a.m. – to 1 p.m. at different trailheads each week. Although waking up early Saturday morning is not ideal for any college student, Marshall has found it is not as hard as she thought. She has been able to benefit from the outdoors while getting exercise.
“I really enjoy the Greenway,” Marshall said. “It’s been a good way to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful weather we’ve finally been having. Everything looks so green and natural this time of year.”
Although Marshall’s class ends with the conclusion of the semester, she feels she has formed a lifelong habit that she will continue in the future.
“My friends and I hope to continue walking on the trails after class ends,” Marshall said. “It’s fun and free and good for us.”
