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This is a good decision. Reidsville has been left behind by other similar downtowns. They need to start improving downtown and work their way out. Gibsonville has transformed into a very nice downtown area...as has Madison and Mayodan. Market Square was a good start. A few nice businesses are operating in downtown Reidsville now...the coffee shop...a few sporting goods stores....the bike shop....some art and antique shops. City Council should continue the improvements to attract more business.

Maybe that is what Greensboro should do, instead of spending large amounts of money on the Greenway, spend it on sidewalks that many people will use. We want to encourage walking, biking, and exercise and sidewalks will help if it is in areas that see a lot of foot traffic. I would like to see Greensboro spend more money on facilities that anyone can enjoy and it does not cost any money and parks are certainly at the top of the list. I think the parks and recreation staff do a good job of maintaining our parks.

Sorry to disagree, however "Greenways" are a big draw for small communities as well as large cities to build and expand upon. Look at Chapel Hill-Carrboro, Raleigh-Cary, Durham, Boone, etc.... Annie Penn Community Trust should hold true to this investment in our community and extend the greenway trail 2.9 miles to Lake Reidsville. I then invision the next phase would be to create a trail around our city lake, adding several more miles, as Greensboro did with the help of volunteer clubs and organizations. The present greenways are definitely getting good use. Greenways are a great way to teach inviromental education, community recreation and engagement, promote good conservation practices and stewardship. I daily see families, schools, scout groups using the greenways not only to better their physical health with fitness, but also as an outdoor classroom. Pass by the parking areas for our Greenway and the ones in and around Greensboro. They are being used daily to their fullest potential. Citizens are strolling their kids, walking, jogging, biking (by the way you aren't suppose to bike on sidewalks) and expanding their experience in the great outdoors! Here is an example of a volunteer organization at work, which could be replicated here in Reidsville. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is promoting, "A Trail To Every Classroom" based a booke by Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder, 2005. Here is the link to an overview: http://www.nps.gov/appa/forteachers/index.htm There are many multi-use trails in North Carolina that are built and maintained by volunteers. Trails like the Appalachian Trail (2,175 miles), Mountains to the Sea Trail (almost 1,000 miles), Dan River Trail, Uwharrie National Forest Trail, Yadkin River Trail, these are just a small example of the many trails in our state. Sidewalks are fine for downtown, however the funds offered by Annie Penn should be put to its intended use and get our citizens a little futher away from the hustling roadways. I challenge everyone to take a stroll on our Greenway Trails, even though they are paved, you will go home with a better appreciation of what natural areas our community has to share.

I have no problem with the city "curbing and guttering" Cypress Drive. However, living in that neighborhood, the money spent on a sidewalk could be put to a much better use completing the trail as the Reidsville Area Foundaing (formally known as Annie Penn Community Trust) so intended. It's intentions can be viewed on the City of Reidsville site: http://www.ci.reidsville.nc.us/GreenwaysGrant.htm

This is very unfortunate news, in my opinion. I have been eager to see the completion of the greenway project. The existing greenway is nice, but far too short, and it lacks a "destination". The lake would provide a great spot to stop and relax before the return trip. Hopefully, the idea is not dead...perhaps it can be turned over to volunteers.