The Great Rivers Greenway District was established in November 2000 by the successful passage of the Clean Water, Safe Parks and Community Trails Initiative ("Proposition C") in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County, Missouri.

The Great Rivers Greenway District is funded by a 1/10th of 1 cent sales tax.

The Great Rivers Greenway District works for a clean, green, connected St. Louis region. To deliver its mission, the District is spearheading the development of The River Ring, an interconnected system of greenways, parks and trails that will encircle the St. Louis region, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Eventually, The River Ring will encompass a 600-mile web of more than 45 greenways that will crisscross the region and provide access to trail and greenway projects developed by the Metro East Park and Recreation District in Madison and St. Clair counties, Illinois.

The concept of The River Ring was the outcome of a 10-month citizen planning process completed in September 2003.

Since 2002, Great Rivers Greenway has implemented many projects across the district, often in partnership with municipal, governmental and public agencies, as well as private and nonprofit organizations. The Great Rivers Greenway District also is emerging as an inspirational model for comparable green space initiatives nationwide.