In this Episode, Matt visits with Troy Fitzsimmons. Cornelius Parks and Recreation Director, The Emerald Necklace — a network of greenway trails and multi-use paths that surround the town of Cornelius — has been in the works for over a decade, and is steadily nearing completion. Once finished, the network of greenways will make a 13-mile loop around the town, complete with connections to local parks and the downtown area.
Currently, all but three segments of the network have been completed. Those three segments, which total about two miles, will complete the Emerald Necklace, providing total connectivity to the system of trails.
The Emerald Necklace features both greenways that wind through the area’s natural landscape, featuring access to plant and wildlife, as well as multi-use paths that run alongside major roadways, including a yet-to-built path along Catawba Avenue in downtown.
Learn more at https://cornelius.org/park/parks_facilities___fields/emerald_necklace.php
If you’re ready to stop talking about getting active and actually do something about it, Active Life with Matt Chapman is where it starts. Focused on real movement, practical fitness, and everyday motivation, Matt brings a no-excuses approach to living stronger, healthier, and more energized right here in Lake Norman. Whether you’re getting back into a routine or pushing to the next level, this show delivers ideas, insights, and inspiration you can actually use. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. And it starts now.
Matt Chapman is co-editor of the Lake Norman Citizen, and also the publication’s sole sports writer, covering all sports at the 15 high schools surrounding Lake Norman. He’s a graduate of UNC Charlotte, where he majored in Public Relations and minored in Journalism, while also serving as Sports Editor for the university newspaper. He’s been in the newspaper business for 10 years, covering everything from local government happenings, elections, businesses and nonprofits to sports and arts and entertainment.
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