It's a lovely, hidden gem of green space in Minneapolis. Tucked away at the south end of Nicollet Mall is the Loring Greenway, a 1.3-mile walkway that connects downtown directly to Loring Park.

The beautiful landscaping is the handiwork of about 70 nearby residents, some of whom belong to the Loring Greenway Association. They volunteer to do the planting, pull weeds and otherwise take care of the walkway during the warm-weather months. In addition to volunteering their time, they also contribute to a help raise the $45,000 needed for basic summer maintenance.

But they're justifiably concerned that their volunteer efforts are not sustainable going forward. Originally constructed in the late 1970s, the pathway is beginning to show its age. It needs brick and sidewalk replacement, fountain work, and additional and improved lighting, seating and signage.

That's why a broader partnership of downtown businesses and other property owners is needed to enhance and maintain the greenway.

The greenway is in this spot because of its evolution. It was originally built as just a connector, or sidewalk, between downtown and Loring Park. Since then, a community of high-rise apartments, condos and townhouses grew up around it. The city of Minneapolis owns the land and provides basic sidewalk or boulevard maintenance, including plowing, lawn mowing and watering. Over the years, the city has worked in partnership with the association to help with some improvements, but it does not have the budget for ongoing maintenance, upgrades and plantings.

Doug Wallace, 80, of the Greenway Association board, says the 3.4-acre public space has been maintained by the "sweat of a few dedicated neighbors'' who are burning out. Many like him are seniors who will not be able to continue doing the work.

Wallace and other association leaders would like to see a conservancy created for ongoing support, similar to what is being done to maintain the new park called the Commons, adjacent to U.S. Bank Stadium. Under that model, stakeholders who benefit from the Commons will contribute to and raise funds for the estimated $1.2 million it will take annually to maintain it. A greenway conservancy with one paid staff person would cost $100,000 to $150,000 annually, Wallace estimates.

The Loring Greenway is a public space. Though it is surrounded by about 900 privately owned high-rise apartments and condos, it is not just their backyard. A study done by the association showed that about 1,600 people use the greenway every day. Among them are people riding bikes and walking dogs, families using the small playground, and workers eating lunch or reading — all in a peaceful spot just steps from downtown's bustle.

And when an editorial writer recently strolled the corridor, a cheerful wedding party was taking photos in front of the greenery, flowers and fountain. Members of the public can apply for a low-cost permit from the city to hold an event there.

It would be a shame for the greenway to revert to its origins as a mulch and sidewalk brownway. It has developed into so much more — a unique, urban green space that merits continued support. Neighbors throughout downtown — including businesses, nonprofits, churches and residents — should form a stronger, forward-looking collaborative to help Loring Greenway survive and thrive.