The Legacy Bike Trail, Sarasota, Florida
Why move to Sarasota? Outdoor Amenities. One of the many reasons that our family decided on Sarasota, Florida was the great outdoor lifestyle. I remember before we moved in 1999, I spoke with a friend who had moved to Florida from New England a few years before we did. Andrea told me, “You will love living in Florida, there is always something to do outside during your time off from work. Moving from the Boston area you really appreciate the year round sunshine and warm weather.”
Thanks to Sarasota County some of that “off from work” time can be spent biking, walking or rollerblading on “The Legacy Bike Trail”.
This is a 16 mile long section of railroad track that was purchased from the CSX Transportation Railroad for $11.75 million in December of 2004. The railroad line was the method of transportation and discovery for the early inhabitants of Southwest Florida. Most notably the U.S. Army during World War II, the Kentucky Military Institute and the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which wintered in Sarasota and Venice from 1962-1992.
Starting in 2006, the first phase was to remove the old railroad tracks and to clear a 12 foot wide path. The trail was raised up and asphalt was laid down. They have installed railroad looking crossings at the different street intersections. The trail starts to the north at McIntosh Road near Clarke Road and moves south through Palmer Ranch. The trail crosses Palmer Ranch Parkway, Central Sarasota Parkway, and continues through the back end of Oscar Scherer State Park and into Venice. Trail Heads for parking and access to the trail are located at, McIntosh Road near the Central County Water Reclamation Facility, Potter Park off of Central Sarasota Parkway, Oscar Scherer State Park, Laurel Park, Nokomis Community Park, Patriot’s Park and the Venice Train Depot.
The final phase to be completed will be the bridge trestles over the waters of Donna Bay and Roberts Bay. These trestles when completed will be 12 feet wide and have vertical clearances of 12 feet and 8 feet over the channel areas for boats. At this time you can enjoy about 10 continues miles of trail and another 2 miles south of Donna Bay and Roberts Bay. 
So on your “off from work time” head to the Legacy Trail and enjoy the outside recreation of the south. Come join us in paradise, where the sun spends the winter, on the beaches and golf courses of sunny Sarasota.
If you need help in finding a home in Sarasota please do not hesitate to call me, Sara Leicht at 941-586-4790 or email me at SaraLeicht@SaraSellsSarasota.com
To view Real Estate in the Sarasota Area simply go to Sarasota Real Estate
Posted by Sara Leicht - SaraSellsSarasota.com on
Leave A Comment