https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2021/09/23/five-things-know-legacy-trail-between-venice-and-sarasota/5821140001/
Herald Tribune, Staff Report, Sept 23, 2021
When did Sarasota's Legacy Trail open?
The original, 12.5-mile-long Legacy Trail was opened in primitive form in January 2006, and connected the southern portion of the onetime Seaboard Air railroad line right of way from Center Road north to what’s now known as Culverhouse Nature Park. It was later paved in 2008. The original trailhead for Legacy Trail is the Venice Historic Train Depot, which reopened in October 2003 both for historical tours and as a transportation hub for Sarasota County Area Transit. The Legacy Trail also links with its older sibling, the Venetian Waterway Trail. That 9.3-mile trail spans both banks of the Intracoastal Waterway. Its construction was spearheaded by Venice Area Beautification Inc, which is currently working to build an Urban Forest along the Legacy Trail, just south of the Venice Avenue Bridge.
Who can use the Legacy Trail?
While the Legacy Trail is limited to cyclists, runners and walkers, it is also possible to ride a pedal-powered Surrey Ride between late January and mid-April from Sandra Sims Terry Community Center at 509 Collins Road for a 45-minute tour of that original trail section, while learning about the history of the trail, as well as the local wildlife. The free tour is organized by Sarasota County Parks and Recreation, though tax-deductible donations are accepted. COVID-19 safety protocols are in effect for the surrey rides. A four-passenger maximum, along with a 600-pound weight limit are also enforced. Visit https://www.scgov.net/parks to learn more.
What were other names proposed for the Legacy Trail?
The Friends of the Legacy Trail formed in December 2006, under the cumbersome moniker of “The Friends of the Venice to Sarasota Rails-to-Trails," with a goal of raising funds to help improve the trail. It was later changed to the Friends of the Legacy Trail, shortly after the Sarasota County Commission voted to change the trail’s name in May 2007. That name beat out other contenders such as “Palmer Parkway,” in honor of Bertha Honore Palmer; “Elephant Walk;” and “Circus Trail” which were meant to honor the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and its use of the rail line to travel to is winter home in Venice.
When will the Legacy Trail be completed?
The push to extend the Legacy Trail north to Payne Park in Sarasota and then south/east toward North Port from Nokomis received support of 70.6% of voters in November 2018, as they approved a $65 million bond issue to pay for the work. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic fostered a dramatic rise in use of the trail from roughly 225,000 riders annually to more than 400,000. The northern extension of the trail is being built in three sections. A 2.75-mile portion of that extension, spanning from Bahia Vista Street to just south of Proctor Road, opened in July. The entire northern extension is anticipated to open in late 2021. Technically, an unimproved section of the trail already connects through to North Port via a bridge connecting the Carlton Reserve to the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park is already open. A paved trail connecting with a trailhead at Calera Street near Price Boulevard is anticipated to open in in early 2022 as well.
When is the Legacy Trail open and where is it?
The Legacy Trail is open every day from 6 a.m. to sunset. You can access the Legacy Trail at any point along its track, but there are also trailheads that offer free parking and a convenient place to rest. Some also offer restrooms and other amenities.
Culverhouse Nature Park, 7301 Mcintosh Road, Sarasota
Legacy Trail Access-McIntosh Road, 7905 Mcintosh Road, Sarasota
Osprey Junction Trailhead, 939 E. Bay St., Osprey
Oscar Scherer State Park, 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey
Laurel Park and Sandra Sims Terry Community Center, 509 Collins Road, Laurel.
Nokomis Community Park, 234 Nippino Trail E., Nokomis
Nokomis Riverview Park, 251 Riverview Dr. S, Nokomis
Patriots Park, 800 Venetia Bay Blvd., Venice
Historic Venice Train Depot, 303 E. Venice Ave., Venice
Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate
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