About Nation Ford Greenway
"Connecting the Carolinas"

York and Lancaster Counties, South Carolina, and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

The Nation Ford Greenway is a connected system of greenspace that will link communities, parks, natural resources, and historic sites throughout York, Lancaster and Mecklenburg Counties.

Imagine spending time throwing a ball with a youngster, riding your bike or enjoying time with your family or friends exploring new trails, greenways or open spaces. A favorite nature walk along the greenway might uncover natural and cultural history or endangered species along the way. Walking, jogging, wildlife observation, educational programs, bicycling, in-line skating or picnicking increase our quality of life and promote a healthy lifestyle. Greenways and trails preserve our favorite places for generations to come.

Local leaders face the challenge of balancing economic growth with protection of our natural resources, especially safe and healthy drinking water. As part of their efforts to achieve this balance, York, Lancaster and Mecklenburg Counties have agreed to a landmark partnership to preserve the Sugar Creek watershed.

The Nation Ford Greenway Steering Committee initially began with representatives from Nation Ford Land Trust, Trust for Public Land, York County Government (County Manager, Planning Director, Open Space Planner, County Planner), Springs Close Foundation, Anne Springs Close Greenway, Crescent Resources, Clear-Springs, and Coulston Enterprises.

The group met initially in early 2006, and was interested in coming up with a plan to move the NFG ahead. They looked at some potential trail easements along the proposed route of the NFG, and with the backing of York County elected officials and York
County staff, realized that with planning and fundraising, a pilot section of the greenway could be completed and opened to the
public in 2007.

By starting out with these 'stakeholders', the Steering Committee was able to grow into a committee comprised of representatives
of several jurisdictions and political interests, developers, landowners, planners, realtors, and other 'greenway friendly' people.

The Nation Ford Greenway Steering Committee is currently comprised of:

• Steve Allen, York County Planner
• Tom Bell, Outdoor Program Manager, Rock Hill Parks, Recreation & Tourism
• Larry Burton, Vice President of Operations, Newland Communities
• Saxby Chaplin, State Director and Legal Counsel, Trust for Public Land
• Charlie Funderburk, Director, Tega Cay Parks & Recreation
• Owen Glendening, Culture and Heritage Museums
• Brian Goray, Kanawha Development
• Eric Greenway, Coulston Enterprises
• Wyndie Havnaer, Nation Ford Greenway Finance Committee
• James Martin, Senior Project Manager, Crescent Resources, LLC
• Angela McCrae, Executive Director, The Springs Close Foundation
• Kevin Munson, Assistant Project Manager, Crescent Resources, LLC
• Andrew Merriman, Planning Director, Town of Fort Mill
• Van Shields, Culture and Heritage Museums
• Brown Simpson, Parks & Recreation Director, Town of Fort Mill
• Jacque Sorrentino, Open Space Planner, York County
• Bill Steele, Director, Anne Springs Close Greenway
• Janet Steele, Project Coordinator, Nation Ford Greenway
• James Traynor, President, Clear Springs Development
• Mark Ullmer, Allen Tate Realtors
• Jeff Updike, Executive Director, Nation Ford Land Trust
• Murray White, Chair, Nation Ford Land Trust
• Dave Williams, Assured Group of Companies (Celriver)