When Ryan Monteleone heads out for a run, his two young sons often join him on their bicycles. “Having a greenway system that’s robust is essential,” said Monteleone, who is one of the organizers of the Holly Springs Half Marathon and an owner of Pace Yourself Run Company. The Town of Holly Springs is taking a big step forward in development of its greenway system. Construction of the 2.9-mile Arbor Creek/Middle Creek Greenway will begin this summer, providing a regional link with Apex greenways while growing the Holly Springs network by 20 percent. Completion is expected in fall 2023.
“Connectivity is a big part of the project,” said Matt Beard, the Town’s Park Planner. “We’re really tying together a lot of existing trail stubs.” Although portions of the Arbor Creek/Middle Creek Greenway pass through floodplain and near wetlands, these areas often provide the best experiences for greenway users. “The natural beauty seen within this corridor is something that has long remained hidden for the majority of Holly Springs residents,” Beard said. “The routing of this greenway will provide access to some of the most beautiful natural areas in the region, showcasing a diversity of native habitats, including several rare plant and animal species.”
Whether it’s a long-distance run, a short stroll, or a bike ride, the Town’s greenway system is an amenity that every member of the family can appreciate. “It’s a strong attraction for families,” said Monteleone. The greenway project will extend from Sunset Lake Road near Arbor Creek south and eastward to Sunset Fairways, near where Holly Springs Road crosses Middle Creek. Brad Itzkowitz, president of the Arbor Creek Homeowners Association Board of Directors, said that the Arbor Creek community is thrilled to partner with the Town to improve the greenway by donating several parcels of land. “We appreciate Town leadership for this initiative and look forward to its completion,” he said. “Being a 25-year-old community, Arbor Creek must find ways to provide a quality of life equal to the newer communities being built around Holly Springs,” Itzkowitz added. “We are confident this project will not only provide that quality of life, but also help increase our home values.”
In addition, work also is starting on a comparatively short, but important, extension of Utley Creek Greenway. It will provide a safe, new pedestrian link between the east and west sides of Holly Springs using an existing tunnel beneath N.C. 55. The first phase will extend from the Avent Acres and Ballenridge area on the east side to Morgan Park on the west.
Public support for greenways is strong whenever the Town seeks feedback on parks and recreation. “The number one response is always, ‘We need greenways. We need these connections,’” Beard said. Connectivity enables long-distance runners like Monteleone to go on longer runs while staying away from vehicles. It also helps runners and other pedestrians who are less familiar with getting from one trail segment to another. “Having something more interesting and picturesque where you can get in those longer runs will be nice,” Monteleone said.
