DEFINITION
A blueway is a water path or trail that is developed with launch points, camping locations and points of interest for canoeists and kayakers. Blueways are typically developed by state, county or local municipalities to encourage family recreation, ecological education and preservation of our wildlife resources.
(Source: Wikipedia)

A blueway is a waterway used for aesthetic or recreational purposes.
(Source: Department of Forestry, State of Virginia)

AKA
other names, related ideas, etc.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
In Virginia, the Department of Forestry provides grants for the planning of blueways.
what are the criteria for its design or planning?

ILLUSTRATION
a diagram or drawing that demonstrates the basic pattern or concept

CASE STUDIES
The Great Calusa Blueway http://calusablueway.com
ParadiseCoast Blueway http://www.paradisecoastblueway.com/maps/
The French Broad River Blueway In East Tennessee http://www.knoxcounty.org/frenchbroad/pdfs/fbrbguide.pdf

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Examples areas with active water trails or "blue ways:"
Washington Water Trails Association page: http://www.wwta.org/trails/