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GREENSBORO – After more than eight years, the downtown Greensboro greenway is finally starting to take shape.

The $26 million project will be a place for people to get out and exercise.

And although the first phase isn’t officially open yet, people living in the historic Warnersville neighborhood are already putting the pavement to good use.

“Right around the perimeter of downtown, connecting these neighborhoods, there’s not really a good cycling route, and this will be a route that can be used by cyclists of all ages and of all abilities, including families with young children,” said John McLendon, co-chair of the technical committee.

And while the pathway will be an excellent resource for exercise enthusiasts, it will also provide an alternative route for those who walk and ride a bike for transportation.

Resident Mark Hardwich, who doesn’t own a car, walks South Eugene Street with his kids and grandkis every day.

A lot of cars come through here, and they’re in a rush to get where they’ve got to go,” he said.

But now that the greenway is on the way, he said he’ll be able to take full advantage of the additional route.

“I’m glad that they’re doing it, and I’ll be glad when it’s finished,” he said.

The greenway is expected to take five to 10 years to complete and will be paid for by grants, bonds and foundation money.

Workers still have to finish landscaping and post signage to the first section of the greenway before it officially opens.

Organizers plan to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony sometime in the fall.