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http://walkboston.org/sites/default/files/WalkBoston%20-%20Greenough%20Runners%20Handout%203-6-2014.pdf
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M A K I N G M A S S A C H U S E T T S M O R E W A L K A B L EOld City Hall | 45 School Street | Boston MA 02108 | T: 617.367.9255 | F: 617.367.9285 | [email protected] | www.walkboston.org
Many runners use the Greenough corridor and we should be planning for that use. • The Greenough path, plus the Herter paths on the other side of the Charles, form
a safe 5K loop for runners because no streets have to be crossed. • Nearly 6,000 runners used the loop during organized races in 2013, according to
a local website, Coolrunning.com. During the summer, several hundred runners use the path every day.
• Runners have improvised running tracks by creating narrow dirt paths adjacent
to paved paths. This demonstrates a clear preference for a softer running surface.
Existing impromptu dirt path parallel to paved path in Greenough corridor
• DCR’s “Connectivity Study,” a plan for open spaces along the Charles, urged a
10’ wide paved path with a parallel soft-surface trail or shoulder for runners where possible
• Soft surfaces have benefits for runners: “…the off-road impact is significantly
easier on your body.” Fraioli, Mario, The Importance of Varying Your Running Surface, Competitor Magazine, Nov. 19, 2013.
• Planning for a new Greenough multi-use corridor should include the long-term
goal of a soft-surface path parallel to and integrated with the hard-surface path. • Phasing of paths may be necessary because construction funds are limited.
Money might be saved by beginning implementation with grading for both hard and soft surfaces paths.
• See the many other projects WalkBoston is working on for runners,
at WalkBoston.org/running