By: Antonio Carangelo, Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) Safety Council
Hurricane Ian was devastating to the region. As families being to recover, there is a sense of belonging outside of indivudual communities; people helping other people. A new sense of community that cuts across Southwest Florida (SWFL). Parks, civic/business venues, and roads/waterways are the links to connect us and help promote our emotional well-being. As Capital Improvement infrastructure projects are being initiated to recover parks, venues, and roads, there is an opportunity to revisit long-term plans which can connect us with the roads and trails. Multimodal paths that support pedestrians and by cyclists of all ages and abilities can provide that connection allowing people to leave their communities without using vehicles. Families that use trails and multimodal paths increase their physical wellness, mental well-being, and emotional spirit as they connect with nature.
There are many groups and organizations focused on improving the connectivity between the different venues available to residents, businesses, and visitors. These organizations collectively become the voice of the people to rally around healthy lifestyles and family activists, promoting pedestrian walkways and bicycle routes. Adding these multimodal paths and walking trails help promote the surrounding businesses and the region as a whole. Trails and paths are another source of tourism besides the beach culture that exists today.
One organization that had a start in 2022 was Friends of BERT. This organization is over 1000 interested parties (individuals and businesses) and provides a strong voice in the community towards advancing safe and healthy trails within Bonita Springs and Estero.
HOW CAN TRAILS, IN ADDITION TO BEACHES, ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE?
The Florida Gulf Coast Trail (www.tpl.org/our-work/florida-gulf-coast-trail) is a program that is the glue that ties together the vision of a connected SWFL. The Trust for Public Land is an organization whose goal is to develop 336 miles of connected trails spanning seven coastal counties. The Trust for Public Land focuses on both the unfication of the family with nature, as well as promoting the economic impact that a connected trail has on business and tourism. This charter will improve the overall family quality of life throughout SWFL and attract businesses and increase tourism within SWFL.
However, there are regional groups aligned with this goal too, which your family can benefit from, participate in activities and possibly join. Here is an opportunity to join these organizations and have your voice heard in the community.
Within Fort Myers region, the John Yarbrough Linear Park and Trail (www.leegov.com/parks/linearpark) is a six-mile paved multiple-use trail that supports pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages and abilities. Lee County Parks & Recreation manages the park and trails. They provide programs and services that improve the quality of life for all Lee County residents and visitors.
The trail is landscaped, which provides shaded areas on the southernmost section. This trail is an excellent example of connecting communities at critical junctures accessed by sidewalks or paths at Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Daniels Parkway, Danley Drive, Crystal Drive, and Colonial Boulevard.
One project you can advocate for will be to fund the John Yarbrough Linear Park and Trail to connect to downtown Fort Myers. This will bring residents and visitors another alternative to driving to the Fort Myers downtown businesses.
Within Estero and Bonita Springs, there are several aligned organizations; Estero Today, ECCL (A civic advocacy Organization), and Friends of BERT.
Estero Today (www.esterofl.org) and ECCL are organizations that work closely with the Estero Village Council and Public Works on Capital Improvement Programs, ensuring that roads and trails are developed with multimodal paths. The Village has a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master plan which will enhance roads and trails by creating multimodal paths as roads and intersections are being upgraded. (www.estero-fl.gov/public-works).
The Friends of BERT is a new Organization whose charter is focused on improving pedestrian and bicycle trails connecting Estero and Bonita Springs trails and roads (www.bonitaesterorailtrail.com). They are working closely with the city council, businesses, and interested individuals on advancing the acquisition and build-out of the Seminole Gulf Rail 14-mile Corridor, which connects Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, basically Lee, and Collier Counties.
Within Naples and Collier County, the Paradise Coast Trail Corridor (www.railstotrails.org/policy/trailstransform/projects/naples) is a family-friendly trail that connects schools, employment centers, state parks, beaches, and Collier Area Transit, providing non-motorized transportation options for residents across the city of Naples and Collier County to get to work, school and recreation. Connecting families to these sites promote a healthy lifestyle as well as minimizing vehicles on the roads.
Within Naples and Collier County, the Paradise Coast Trail Corridor (www.railstotrails.org/policy/trailstransform/projects/naples) is a family-friendly trail that connects schools, employment centers, state parks, beaches, and Collier Area Transit, providing non-motorized transportation options for residents across the city of Naples and Collier County to get to work, school and recreation. Connecting families to these sites promote a healthy lifestyle as well as minimizing vehicles on the roads.
