Capital Area Greenway

[citation needed] The study has found that the natural features of Raleigh make it economically sound and financially realistic...to create a network of parks (and) green open space...(that) can enhance Raleigh's already distinctive environment and insure...adequate recreation facilities for the future.

The idea was that green and open space would provide a habitat for animals, and maintain a wetland to be used as a buffer between homes in the area's and creeks that often overflow.

This included a trail near what was then the newly opened Crabtree Valley Mall - that regularly flooded during heavy rain.

The City of Raleigh started purchasing land for what would become the nation's first citywide greenway system in 1974.

"The emphasis today is on tying up those loose ends," said Vic Lebsock the Senior Greenway Planner for Raleigh as of 2017.