Sarasota County commissioners have approved more than $3 million to extend the Legacy Trail by nearly two miles, creating a park-to-park connection between Nathan Benderson Park and the UTC area. The new section ties into the 23 miles of trail already in place and is expected to be finished within the next year.
The trail has come a long way from its start as a former CSX rail line purchased by the county in 2004. These days it draws close to a million visitors annually, and Commissioner Mark Smith notes it has become far more important than anyone originally expected. The extension also gives groups like the Sarasota Model Yacht Club easier access between Nathan Benderson Park and the broader trail network.
Looking ahead, county officials are considering extensions into Newtown and a possible connection to Manatee County. For now, the focus is on finishing this two-mile link, which will give walkers, runners, and cyclists a direct route between one of the region’s busiest parks and the UTC shopping and dining area. Where would you like to see the Legacy Trail go next?
