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Community Corner

Great Rivers Greenway Awards Nearly $150,000 in Grants to Regional Organizations

The Great Rivers Greenway District is pleased to announce that it has awarded nearly $150,000 in grant funds for 2014 programs and events to make the St. Louis region an even better place to live. Great Rivers Greenway extended an open invitation to organizations across the St. Louis area in July to submit grant requests for planned community events and programs being held at any of the District’s trails and greenways in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County. More than 70 applications were received – a 300 percent increase over previous years.

The funds awarded will support 53 programs and events to be held in 2014, that will improve awareness and use of the more than 106 miles of completed trails that are a part of Great Rivers Greenway’s planned River Ring, a 600-mile interconnected web of trails, greenways and on-street bicycle routes. The events will take place throughout the year on the River Ring’s 17 active greenways.

Grants were awarded to programs that connect communities and neighborhoods, preserve nature, improve economic vitality, promote good health and/or provide transportation options in St. Charles County, St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis. Examples of funded programs include bike rides, walk/runs, canoe rides, multiple concert series, art and fitness festivals, wildlife habitat improvement, farmers markets and theater performances.

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“We were thrilled by the response to our grant program this year and are excited to support so many programs and partners across the region,” said Susan Trautman, Executive Director of Great Rivers Greenway. “These organizations and their programs improve the quality of life for residents in all areas of the District, and it’s an honor to be a part of such incredibly important work.”

For a complete list of grant award recipients or for more information on these 2014 programs and events, visit www.GreatRiversGreenway.org. Applications for 2015 grant funds will be announced in summer 2014.

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About Great Rivers Greenway:

The Great Rivers Greenway District was created by a vote of the people in 2000 with the goal of making the St. Louis region a better place to live. The public organization is carrying this goal by creating community connections with the River Ring, an interconnected system of trails and greenways. The District also works to provide transportation alternatives, preserve nature, improve health and increase the economic vitality of the region. Great Rivers Greenway’s district includes St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County. For more information, visit www.greatriversgreenway.org

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