The Paseo & Greenways at Riverland – Eco-Friendly Connectivity
Overview
Port St. Lucie, FL – The Paseo and greenway system at Riverland redefines sustainable living and connectivity within a master-planned community. Spanning over 5 miles of eco-friendly pathways, this pedestrian, bicycle, and golf cart-only network links residents to every major amenity—including parks, arts, wellness, sports, and a Town Center—without ever needing to get into a car. The design not only significantly reduces the community’s carbon footprint but also fosters an active, vibrant lifestyle centered around nature and neighborhood connection.
Background
Riverland, a 4,000-acre master-planned community in Port St. Lucie, is anchored by the vision of environmental stewardship, community wellness, and a car-free lifestyle. The 2-mile public Paseo greenway, alongside an additional 3+ miles of private greenways and internal community pathways, creates a unique linear park system that is both a transportation network and a gathering place.
The Paseo itself is a landscaped linear park, thoughtfully designed with mature trees, flowering archways, meditation zones, and gathering spaces all built exclusively for non-vehicular travel. This visionary infrastructure supports walking, biking, golf-cart commuting, outdoor fitness, and spontaneous social interaction, creating a model for sustainable, lifestyle-driven development.







Eco-Friendly Design and Amenities
The Paseo and greenways are more than just transportation routes; they’re a living part of Riverland’s culture and ecosystem:
- Pathway Network
- Over 5 miles of interconnected, car-free paths
- Includes 2 miles of public Paseo greenway, 1.5 miles of private extension, and community-exclusive greenways
- Sustainable Features
- Heavily landscaped with mature trees, native plantings, and shaded medians
- Designed to minimize car usage, reducing carbon emissions community-wide
- Rest & Recreation Zones
- Meditation areas with boulders and benches
- Picnic tables with built-in chessboards
- Scenic seating areas for socializing and reflection
- Outdoor Lifestyle Integration
- Hosts events like the annual Riverland 5K, charity walks, golf cart parades, and sunset gatherings
- Supports daily activities such as dog walking and cycling
Seamless Connectivity
The Paseo system connects Riverland residents to a wide range of amenities, all accessible without a car:
- Sports & Racquet Club: 24 acres with a 51,000 sq. ft. Wellness & Fitness Center
- Arts & Culture Center: 5 acres with an 11,550 sq. ft. Creativity Hub and outdoor event spaces
- Multiple City Parks: Including dog agility parks, green spaces, and multi-sport fields
- Riverland Town Center: Publix grocery store, restaurants, salons, veterinary care, golf cart services, and more, all reachable via the Paseo
Results
The Paseo and greenway system has yielded significant benefits:
- Reduced carbon footprint by decreasing reliance on automobiles for daily activities
- Promoted community wellness through outdoor activities, exercise, and social connection
- Enhanced environmental impact by preserving green space and planting mature trees
- Fostered a unique sense of place with vibrant gathering spots and lifestyle programming
- Created a fully integrated living experience where every need is accessible without a car
Conclusion
Riverland’s Paseo and greenway system exemplifies how infrastructure design can drive both environmental sustainability and human connection. With walkable access to world-class amenities, scenic green spaces, and a community-driven atmosphere, Riverland offers more than a home; it offers a new way of life rooted in harmony with nature and each other.