It’s time to unite to protect our Greenway’s future

Dear East Coast Greenway supporters,

These are trying times. While I’ve marveled at the giant scissors used to celebrate the opening of numerous new sections of the East Coast Greenway over the past decade, I’m now dismayed by the metaphorical scissors cutting vital, common-sense investments that enhance safety, strengthen communities and promote cleaner air and water.

Thanks to our work together over the past 30 years, 65% of the East Coast Greenway is either complete or in an advanced stage of development. However, future East Coast Greenway progress – even federal dollars awarded to projects over the past four years – is at risk.

We need your help to protect the East Coast Greenway: 

• We need you to voice support for Greenway projects. Contact your U.S. Senators, Representatives and the White House to urge strong bipartisan support for safe biking and walking infrastructure. And please speak up in public hearings and other opportunities whenever a Greenway project is being discussed. In survey after survey throughout our communities, greenways are a top amenity and universally loved. Our elected leaders need strong reminders of that love of greenways and their many benefits. Given the strong return on investment that greenways provide, cutting funding would be terribly counterproductive.
• We need you to share stories of Greenway progress and impact whether in conversations, social media posts or with local media outlets.
• We need your help to welcome groups onto the Greenway, a space free from the outrage peddled by attention-grabbing algorithms. Let’s connect people authentically with each other and with calming nature.
• And we need your continued financial support to keep the East Coast Greenway Alliance boldly advancing an iconic park that will be a beacon of light for progress, unity and public pride. 

Fortunately, thanks to the generosity and vision of people like you, our organization remains strong. Through our nonprofit’s tenacity, expertise and vision, we have spearheaded a movement to build out the most visited park in America. Our 1,100 miles of completed East Coast Greenway are transforming the lives of millions of Americans. We’re building community and connection from the skyscrapers of Manhattan to the pine forests of Maine and Florida’s palm groves.

But our mission is not yet accomplished. Despite this time of serious risk and uncertainty, we know we can build a healthy future by growing biking and walking in our communities through completing safe infrastructure. Another 1,100 miles of Greenway are in planning, design or under construction, poised to close gaps that will make a child’s bike ride or walk to school not only possible but a gateway to an active life.

We are dedicated to building bridges in divisive times, and we will do so with respect, care and determination – never losing sight of our vision to bring people together for a better future. I stand with you, along with everyone at the East Coast Greenway Alliance, as we strive for a Greenway that will benefit our generation and generations to come.

With gratitude and conviction,

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

P.S. In the coming weeks and months, we’ll update you on how you can further protect and advance the East Coast Greenway.