Phase one of the Downtown Greenway — a pathway that will ultimately stretch almost three miles to connect recreational facilities, neighborhoods, cultural attractions and over seven of Baton Rouge’s public parks — opened to the public Dec. 27.
Former Mayor-President Melvin L. “Kip” Holden cut the last ribbon of his 12-year term at the ribbon cutting ceremony of phase one of the Downtown Greenway, which consists of the North Boulevard Promenade section that will eventually stretch from the Mississippi River to City Park.
The historic live oak trees that line the path light up at night, illuminating the trail that features exercise stations, benches, water fountains and eventually recycling bins. Flowers will bloom in the spring and sculptures will be added for a touch of local cultural artwork.
The next phase of the Downtown Greenway will prove to be more challenging because it crosses over to Government Street, said Davis Rhorer, executive director of the Downtown Development District. This phase, which is waiting for environmental approval to start construction, will connect North Boulevard to East Boulevard all the way to Expressway Park.
The 2.75 mile greenway, which will link North Boulevard Town Square to the Expressway Park, will probably be completed by the end of this year, Rhorer said.
Only weeks into phase one’s completion, the pathway bustles with bicyclists, joggers and employees who seek peace of mind.
The pathway is convenient for grabbing lunch downtown, and it is really peaceful, said Natalie Mault Mead, director of education and curator at the Old Governor’s Mansion.
Bike-riders find solace in the pathway and are ecstatic that Baton Rouge has taken the initiative to become more bike-friendly over the years.
The University is among a progressive group of colleges and universities across the United States transforming transportation on their campuses and in the communities that surround them. The flagship campus was awarded a silver Bicycle Friendly University designation, making the campus one of only 164 bicycle-friendly colleges and universities across the country.
Bob Brumberger, a former part-time University professor and bicycle enthusiast, said he usually starts his journey at the Levee, winding his way through downtown, passing the State Capitol and eventually pedaling his Brompton bike toward the beginning of the greenway.
The trail, which can be identified by its green paint that marks the crossroads, has already married locals with the environment and with each other and can only unravel more gifts from here.
“Downtown is full of treasures, and I think this pathway will help unbury them,” Brumberger said.

Gallery • 5 Photos

Augustus Stark

Bike enthusiast Bob Brumberger displays his bike before he rides down the Downtown Greenway on North Boulevard Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017.