Joining us is Emma Klues, Vice President of Communications & Outreach at Great Rivers Greenway connecting the region with greenways so you can live life outside joins Enterprise Radio. She’s here to reflect on the last 25 years of impact, share what makes GRG’s approach to urban planning and green infrastructure so unique.
Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Emma Klues discuss the following:
- You’re celebrating 25 years of Great Rivers Greenway. When you look back, what stands out most about how this regional vision has taken shape?
- GRG is one of the only greenway systems in the country that spans three counties and 120 municipalities. What does that level of regional cooperation really look like in practice?
- The greenways aren’t just trails—they’ve become places where people connect, exercise, and build community. Why do you think these spaces resonate so deeply with residents?
- Over 3 million trips were logged on GRG greenways in 2024 alone. What does that tell you about how people are using these spaces in their everyday lives?
- GRG has been part of major projects like CityArchRiver and Trojan Park. How do greenways play a bigger role than just recreation in shaping the future of cities?
- With Brickline Greenway connecting 14 neighborhoods and 4 parks, how is GRG rethinking what green space can do for equity and inclusive development?
- Let’s talk about the 25th anniversary celebrations—from a 1,500-foot community dinner to interactive games and arts events. Why was it important to bring people together in so many different ways?
- With a goal of 600 miles of greenways and a new CEO stepping in, what’s next for GRG? What are you most excited about in the next 5–10 years?
- For listeners who may not have explored their local greenway yet—what’s your advice for how to get started or get involved?
Emma Klues is the Vice President of Communications & Outreach at Great Rivers Greenway, a public agency responsible for developing and maintaining the St. Louis region’s 140-mile greenway network. She joined GRG in 2014 and leads communications strategy, public engagement, events, and media relations, ensuring these greenways become beloved community assets and accessible public infrastructure. Emma is known for crafting stories that highlight GRG’s unique voter-approved, cross-county regional collaboration and its impact on sustainability, equity, and civic resilience.
Website: https://greatriversgreenway.org
Social Media Links:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greatriversgreenway
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatriversstl
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