Communities Connected by Trails
Formed in 1991, our mission is to build a trail system that connects and enhances our community. We are the driving force behind a 200+ mile planned system of multi-use trails –a dynamic network of connected streams, parks, businesses, and neighborhoods. Trails are recreation, transportation infrastructure, tourism destinations, and quality-of-life necessities. Most importantly, trails connect people to our beautiful outdoors, each other, and the places they want to go.
There are currently 110 miles of trails (paved, unpaved, converted rail-line, and water) that comprise the regional trail system.
Values
Accessibility: Building trails that everyone can use.
Community: Striving for the trail system to be a natural infrastructure in the region and an integral part of our community's identity.
Connection: Providing opportunities for people to connect with each other, the outdoors, and their community.
Health: Providing an outlet for activities that promote healthier lifestyles.
Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion: We are committed to advancing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) principles in outdoor recreation. We are new to this journey and are learning. We realize that we have a shared responsibility at local, county, state, and federal levels to increase access to outdoor recreation for those who have historically been marginalized, underrepresented, or excluded from many outdoor spaces.
Preservation: Building trails that enhance and preserve our outdoors.
Progress: Continuously evolving to build a better trail system for the enjoyment and economic development of our community.
Guiding Documents
Ozark Greenways supports the implementation of adopted plans. Examples include the Parks, Open Space, and Greenways Element of Vision 20/20. We also use the Ozarks Transportation Organization's Trail Investment Study, which serves as the region's blueprint for trail and greenway development for the coming years.
Funding
Ozark Greenways funds its projects and operations through a combination of sources including local, state, federal, and private grants, in-kind contributions, memberships, special event proceeds, sponsors, and workplace giving. We also have contracts for services that we provide to the City of Springfield's Public Works and Environmental Services departments, Springfield-Greene County Park Board, and City Utilities of Springfield. We also have several funds established at the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to help us plan for the future.