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Legacy Bike and Walking Trail

News: Updates to the Legacy Trail

Source: https://www.scgov.net/government/capital-projects/legacy-trail-update

On Nov. 6, 2018, Sarasota County voters approved a referendum to acquire and improve The Legacy Trail extension railroad corridor as a safe trail for walking, running and cycling. The nearly 8-mile extension will also enhance connectivity from North Port through Venice to downtown Sarasota, and include improvements such as crossings, overpasses at Clark Road and Bee Ridge Road, amenities and increased accessibility.

The extension will ultimately create nearly 30 miles of continuous non-motorized paved multi-use trail, which could become a regional connection between Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto and Charlotte counties.

Construction will be completed in three segments. Segment one begins at Proctor Road and extends north to the intersection of Bahia Vista Street. Segment two will begin at Culverhouse Nature Center and extend north to Proctor Road. Segment three begins at Bahia Vista Street and extends to Ringling Boulevard. In addition, the North Port Connector will extend from Forbes Trail to West Price Boulevard.

Legacy Trail Park - Venice Florida

About the Legacy Trail

In 2008, the Legacy Trail opened, providing more than 10 miles of trail from the Venice Train Depot to Culverhouse Nature Park. Now more than 10 years later, an estimated 290,000 people annually use the trail. In addition to providing a safe, recreational trail for walking, bicycling and running, it provides direct access to the City of Venice and popular public beaches.

Trail Hours and Rules

Open year round from 6 a.m. - sunset.
The Legacy Trail, parking areas and accesses are dog friendly.

Trailhead Locations

The Legacy Trail offers several areas to stop, rest, learn about its history or just enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the trail. The rest stops include seven trailheads which offer access points with free parking.

The trailheads are located at:
Culverhouse Nature Park in Sarasota.
Osprey Junction Trailhead in Osprey
Laurel Park in Laurel. 
Nokomis Community Park in Nokomis. 
Oscar Scherer State Park in Nokomis.
Patriots Park in Venice.
Historic Venice Train Depot in Venice.

Links: https://www.scgov.net/government/parks-recreation-and-natural-resources/find-a-park/specialty-parks/the-legacy-trail 

Surrey Ride Program

The Surry Ride Program offers a way for residents and visitors who might otherwise be unable to experience The Legacy Trail, a chance to enjoy a ride on the trail.
Where: Laurel Park 509 Collins Road, Nokomis. Meet at Sandra Sims Terry Community Center.
When: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Jan.14 through April 15; 10 a.m.-11 a.m. and noon.
Contact:  Call 941-486-2757. Reservations are required. Leave your name, phone number, the number of people in your party, your preferred date and time. A volunteer will return your phone call to confirm your reservation. You will receive a reservation reminder phone call one week prior to your scheduled ride.

Brought to you by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources in partnership with The Friends of The Legacy Trail (FLT).

Surrey Program Brochure