West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission explains that, "the terms blueway and greenway have become more prevalent over the past ten to fifteen years. In addition, the importance and efforts to preserve and protect these valuable areas within communities have also come to the forefront in recent years. There are a number of varying definitions that have been coined and used for each of these terms. The term blueway is fairly self explanatory. However, for the purpose of this study, a blueway is defined as a body of water that features public access, recreational opportunities, and promotes interactions with the water. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is the source for the greenways definition used in this document. The NRDC is a well known and successful organization founded in 1970. The mission of the NRDC is to safeguard the Earth; its people, its planet and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. It defines a greenway as undeveloped land usually in cities, set aside or used for recreation or conservation. A Blueway is a body of water that features public access, recreational opportunities, and promotes interaction with the water. A Greenway is an undeveloped land usually in cities, set aside or used for recreation or conservation. (Source: Natural Resources Defense Council) West Michigan Blueways & Greenways Plan: Phase II | 4 Although green infrastructure is not a specific element of this document, it is important to define in the context of the plan. The term green infrastructure is more difficult to define. Green infrastructure can in some ways be described as the environmental version of gray infrastructure such as roads and water/sewer lines. The term green infrastructure is used to describe an interconnected network of open spaces and natural areas, such as greenways, blueways, wetlands, parks, and forests that contribute to the health and quality of like for communities and people" (WMSRDC).
To locate all Blue and Greenways in Muskegon County, potentially finding one close to you, please visit the (PDF) plan under the related documents section.