TRANSFORMATION
As evidenced by other Trail Towns , the potential value that the Bonita Estero Rail Trail will bring to the region and its communities is extensive . In particular , BERT is expected to bring enduring change to Downtown Bonita Springs , central Estero , and San Carlos Park .
BONITA SPRINGS : TRANSFORMATION TO A TRAIL TOWN
The creation of the trail will be transformational to Bonita Springs . This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a top priority .
Mike Gibson – Mayor , City of Bonita Springs
There are unique advantages that cities and towns have when they are traversed by rail trails . A welldesigned multi-use trail of reasonable length can draw significant visitation . For example , The Legacy Trail in Sarasota County , another segment of the Florida Gulf Coast Trail , draws nearly 700,000 users annually . Venice Florida , along the south end of The Legacy Trail , was recently designated as a Trail Town by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection ( FDEP ). Venice joins other Florida Trail Town success stories like Dunedin , Winter Garden , Inverness , and Titusville . Multi-use trails are an integral part of these communities , helping to define and drive their economies . Each Trail Town promotes its respective trail and embraces it as a resource to be protected and celebrated . Trail Towns focus on advancing and promoting key services that support trail users including dining , lodging , bike shops , and allied recreational activities .
Who will use BERT ?
This transformational trail is expected to serve a range of people including :
/ Bicycle commuters seeking a safer way to get to and from work
/ Children who want to bicycle or walk safely to and from school
/ Residents seeking healthy outdoor activity and recreation that is a short walk or bike ride from their home
/ Seniors who want to drive less but still wish to get out of their homes and engage with their community
/ Visitors and residents seeking areas to explore and experience the unique places and beautiful environment of Southwest Florida
/ Bicycle tourists coming from other cities , states , and countries to participate in planned rides that will include BERT
/ Anyone who wants to use this exciting new bicycle and pedestrian pathway
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