In 1991, a group of concerned citizens created Ozark Greenways to begin implementing a plan for greenways.

Greenways improve public health, provide safe routes to school and work, filter our water and air, give economic opportunity.

OG is a non-profit public-private partnership, working closely with city, county, state and federal agencies.

Help us continue the effort to create a more bicycle-friendly Springfield by becoming a member of OG.

What is Ozark Greenways?

Formed in 1991, OG is a 501c3 non-profit group of private citizens in greater Springfield, Missouri, working to preserve the Ozarks' natural heritage for public use and enjoyment by developing a greenway trail network. Once each trail section is built in Greene County, it becomes part of the Springfield-Greene County Park Department's wonderful park system. OG also helps promote Public Works' growing on-street bike route system.

Greenways are linear park trails preserving ribbons of nature throughout the urban area, typically following stream corridors or abandoned railroad right-of-way. These hard-surfaced paths have minimal grade and provide free public access for non-motorized uses; bicycling, walking, running, skating and wheelchairs.

We work closely with private supporters and governmental agencies to make greenways a reality, called a "public/private partnership". Planning, fundraising, easement acquisition, promotion and urban forestry are all activities of OG.

There are so many benefits to planning a bicycle-friendly community that we like to say greenways could solve many of our society's problems... by addressing the obesity epidemic by improving public health, providing family-oriented recreation opportunities, filtering pollution out of our air and water, protecting property from flooding, providing safe alternative transportation routes, reducing traffic congestion, raising property value, increasing quality of life and so on and so on and so on! Can you think of some more benefits? (urban wildlife habitat, outdoor classrooms... Oh, and fun! We forgot to say the trails are fun, but we didn't need to tell YOU that.)

To support a bicycle/pedestrian-friendly Springfield, become an OG member by donating on this website, by volunteering for one of our many activities throughout the year, and by leaving your car behind once in a while or even regularly!

Vision 20/20 Plan

OG works from the "Parks, Open Space and Greenways" element of a plan that first developed through citizen committees in 1996. The goal of the plan elements is to guide our community's development into the future, setting aside beneficial amounts of greenways to create a comprehensive greenbelt and bicycle-friendly Springfield.

Funding

OG funds its projects and operations through a combination of local, state and federal public and private grants, in-kind matching donations, membership, business contributions and an endowment fund through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.