Fellow Greenway Supporters: I would like to thank you for joining us at our kickoff in May. Since then many exciting things have happened. The Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has approved a new budget with significant funding for planned greenway projects. Collaborative efforts are at work to get funding for ALL 2008 park and recreation approved projects--including many greenways. Also, we (G4M) have worked diligently to facilitate a public/private partnership that will open new neighborhoods to the greenway system in the urban core. While much work has been done, much more needs to be accomplished!! We have challenged our elected officials to complete 150 miles of greenways in Mecklenburg County by 2030. We are now formulating a plan on how we can reach that goal. Those efforts will focus on collaboration with other organizations, and advocacy from you, our citizens, in this effort. What can you do?? First, communicate OFTEN with your elected county commissioners and let them know that you want them to fund greenway projects. Second, visit our website, greenwaysformeck.com, and stay updated on our events and efforts in the area of advocacy. Third, donate not only your time to these efforts but please donate money ($$) to Greenways for Mecklenburg via our website. We have an immediate goal of raising $40,000 to match two very generous challenge donations and WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! These funds will be used to increase advocacy, hold events and leverage for MORE public/private funding. Our group of very dedicated volunteers, OF WHICH YOU ARE A MEMBER, will be working hard with one goal in mind... build our greenway system in Mecklenburg County SOONER!! Stay tuned, check out updates on our website, and send in your donation (via our website)… and please share your enthusiasm and our website with friends and neighbors!
Thank you,
Ed Barnhart
President
Greenways for Mecklenburg | 
