What makes it a Greenway?

 Some people ask why the Tri Community Greenway is called a “Greenway” and not a bikeway.  The simple answer is that the trail will not be a bikeway but there is much more than that.  Let’s look at a few reasons why the term Greenway is used in this case.

Multi-Use Trail

The first reason is simple; MassDOT considers this a “Multi-Use trail”.  A multi-use trail is wider and has features that make it ideal for all modes of transportation including walkers, joggers and even baby carriages.  The designs start with a wider trail. A multi-use trail has 10 feet of pavement which provides a hard surface for rolling sports and handicapped access.  A 10 foot width provides ample room for two way traffic. An additional 6 feet of crushed stone shoulders provides room for passing or even for people to rest. Several miles of the Tri-Community Greenway will be built to these standards.

Connected Parks

In addition to the width, the Tri Community Greenway connects numerous parks in Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn.  If you start at Recreation Park in Stoneham, you will go by Pomeworth Field in Stoneham, Leland Park, Park along the Aberjona River, Davidson Park, Leonard Field and Beach, Elliot Park, Well Field, Horn Pond, Manchester Field and finally Ginn Field in Winchester.

Old Rail Line

Over 1.7 miles of the Greenway is on an old rail line.  The railroad right of way is 49 feet wide!  That is an amazing space that can be used as a linear park including landscaping, picnic areas, pocket parks and benches.    The multi-use trail is 16 feet wide leaving 33 feet of beautiful green park space. 

Landscaping

What would a Greenway be if there was not beautiful landscaping?  Major street crossings along the way will be planted and contain directions signs, bike racks and benches.  For those that try longer distances benches will be spaced out along the Greenway to help you relax.  Finally, a few historical signs will identify points of interest.

As you can now see, the Tri-Community is not a bikeway, but a Greenway -- a linear park connecting communities that all of us can enjoy.