About Greenway
A passionate voice for the South Platte River since 1974.
We are a Denver-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For the last 50 years, we have been leading efforts to reclaim the South Platte River and its tributaries from a virtual cesspool to a place of environmental and recreational pride.
There is a lot to be proud of and we love working with our community to make big things happen.
Our Vision
Care for and enjoyment of all Denver waterways supported by a vibrant, inclusive, and informed community.
Our Mission
The Greenway Foundation’s mission is to enhance and protect Denver’s waterways through
equitable community engagement, education, and stewardship.
The River is for Everyone
At The Greenway Foundation, we believe in the importance of creating equal opportunities for everyone and are passionately committed to welcoming everyone into an inclusive environment. We are stronger stewards together, learning, caring, and protecting the river for all of us.
The Greenway Foundation has:
Provided recreational opportunities for people throughout the area
- Constructed more than 100 miles of hiking and biking trails
- Created 20+ parks and natural areas
- Designed and built numerous whitewater boat chutes
- Hosted hundreds of free events providing access to the river and creating opportunities for families to learn and enjoy the river together
Guided learning and leadership training for generations of youth
- Provided environmental education to more than 100,000 school children
- Employed more than 100 teenagers in youth employment programs
- Developed award-winning environmental education curriculum and programming for ECE through high school
Improved the health of the South Platte River watershed and its habitats
- Helped create over $500 million of green improvement to the South Platte River and its tributaries, facilitating over $15 billion in residential and commercial development throughout the Denver Metro area
- Hosted numerous community events and annual volunteer river clean up days
- Worked with key partners to create ambitious environmental and recreational projects including the recent $350 million of federal funding from the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for our South Platte River watershed
- Protected neighborhoods and businesses along the South Platte River from flooding
- Restored ecosystems and natural habitat
Brought cost savings, revenue, and additional benefits to our metro area
- Created almost $14 billion in benefits from increased tourism, transportation, recreation, and health benefits
- Achieved cost savings from the ecosystem services provided by improved landscapes – natural storm water filtration, air, water, and heat pollutant capture
- Helped create additional public based revenue for the City and County of Denver ($65 million) and Denver Public Schools ($100 million) thanks to waterfront restoration and commercial development.
OUR BLOG
