From our executive director: Remarkable impact in a tough year

We are finishing one of the most challenging years of our lifetime. Many lost loved ones, others lost jobs, and we all lost hugs and in-person connection with family and friends. As we finish the year, I want to share appreciation for the tremendous work of our team of volunteers and staff who brought the Greenway dream to life amidst a global pandemic. And it was all made possible by generous people like you. Thank you!

A Year Full of Milestones as the Essential Greenway Rose to the Challenge

We weathered the storm, thanks in no small part to taxpayers who supported our nonprofit through a Paycheck Protection Program small business loan in the spring. That financial backstop, along with several leading donors and partner institutions who gave more than in previous years to make up for much of our lost event income, allowed us to end a brief furlough so that our team could pivot effectively to virtual meetings and events, mostly home-based work, and in-person outdoor efforts. The fruit of that labor was our biggest impact yet: 23 new greenway segments helped close gaps in 13 states and increased the total constructed Greenway beyond 1,000 miles! And those miles came to life perhaps beyond our founders' audacious vision: as people flocked to the East Coast Greenway as a "haven of health" and a "sanctuary of sanity," use skyrocketed to more than 50 million bike rides, runs, and walks. Thanks to your dedicated support and advocacy, the Greenway just became the most visited park in America. 

Recovery through Greenway Completion

Our Greenway has proven itself as essential, equitable public space helping our communities get through this challenging time. Now let's do our best to spur a strong recovery throughout our corridor in the New Year. Together, we can inspire federal leaders to invest in completing the East Coast Greenway as critical infrastructure to rebuild better for our public health, for the climate, and for jobs and a shared economic recovery. We are leading a national effort for Greenway Stimulus that would benefit everyone in our corridor and all Americans from sea to shining sea. 

The Greenway could be completed this decade if we inspire federal leaders to make our project a national priority megaproject. Imagine the healthy, equitable, and sustainable future we can build together as we transform the way people move from Maine to Florida. Let's make the most of this historic moment and help lead a strong recovery. 

Wishing you and yours good health and Happy Holidays as we prepare for even more impact in the New Year!

Dennis  Dennis Markatos-Soriano Executive Director, East Coast Greenway Alliance

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