What is The Greenway? The Greenway is a linear corridor of 2,200 acres of open space between the banks of the river and the flood protection system. It's primary function is to provide flood protection for the Greater Grand Forks community.
Funding: The initial construction of The Greenway was funded with federal, state, and local dollars. Ongoing operations and maintenance are funded through a monthly fee to every residence and business on the utility bill in both communities. Fees vary between the two communities.
Flood Protection: The primary function of the Greenway is flood mitigation. The open space between the river banks and the flood protection system allows water to pass through with less constraint on the river, less strain on the levees, and less chance of ice damming.​
The Greenway doesn't just provide flood protection. It also enhances the local quality of life, providing recreational opportunities and scenic views previously unavailable to the public. It is also an opportunity to restore native riparian prairie and stream bank vegetation along the river corridors.​
Trail location: The trail system is located on the wet side of the levee and runs the length of The Greenway, with spur trails offering opportunities to explore areas closer to  the river.
Recreation features: A wide variety of recreational activities await the Greenway user. Picnic shelters with grills and rest room facilities,  shore-bank fishing sites, boat ramps, basketball and volleyball courts,  ice-skating and hockey rinks, playground equipment, two golf courses, three disc  golf courses, and two dog parks are just some of the recreation available in The Greenway. These recreational areas are connected by a paved multi-use trail system featuring two pedestrian bridges that connects the two communities.
Trail paving: The primary trail is paved with asphalt, with a few sections of pre-existing trails paved with concrete. A series of unpaved trails weave throughout The Greenway and offer a closer view of the rivers and a more natural alternative to runners and hikers.​
Access: The Greenway is accessible through openings in the flood protection system and several up-and-over trails. Some entry points feature parking lots and restroom facilities.  Please refer to the Greenway map for specific locations of access points.
Handicap Accessibility: Yes! All trails and up-and-overs are constructed to a 5% or less grade unless marked. Wheelchair-accessible picnic tables are located in the picnic shelters. Concrete pads for wheelchair parking are available alongside the benches along the paved trails.​
Mowing: Areas of high use within The Greenway are mowed regularly. However, areas with native grass, wildflowers, and other forms of vegetation that aid in riparian restoration are not mowed. More information is available in our vegetation management policy
Plowing: Indeed they are! Outdoor recreation doesn't stop when the temperatures and snowfall. Crews plow the paved trails after significant snowfalls but be patient - it may take a while because plowing the streets takes priority. Lower trails remain unplowed to accommodate cross-country skiing.
Ideas: There is! Each year we receive many requests for new facilities or improvements to existing facilities in the Greenway. Many factors go into the decision-making process, first and foremost being the role of the Greenway as a floodplain. If you have an idea you would like considered, please complete the Greenway Project Request Form (Office Word or PDF) and submit it to the address on the form. You may be asked to present an overview of your project idea to the Greenway Technical Committee for consideration. After reviewing the request, the committee will determine whether the project is feasible within the Greenway and, if so, which agency will handle the request. That agency will then guide the request through the proper channels of their organization.
Get involved: The Bicycle, Pedestrian & Greenway  Users Advisory Group meets monthly to discuss Greenway and trail system  items. Residents of the Greater Grand Forks area are welcome to attend. For more  information about this group, click here.
Email updates: Register to receive email announcements by clicking the email symbol at the top of this page and  typing "Email updates" in the subject. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Motorized vehicles: ATVs, motorcycles, and other motorized vehicles are not allowed on any greenway trail, except when authorized by one or more of the managing agencies. Check our policy on motorized vehicles approved as mobility devices.
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