All Aboard! 

On March 28, 2008 Sarasota County officially opened the largest public recreation project ever constructed in the area, The Legacy Trail. Totaling more than 12 miles in length the trail runs from just south of the City of Sarasota to Venice following the former CSX railroad corridor.

Sarasota County Parks and Recreation, Sarasota County Public Works and the Friends of the Legacy Trail hosted an all-day celebration with entertainment, nature and kayak tours, actor portrayals of historic Sarasota figures and a free brunch! There were three ribbon cuttings scheduled on Friday, March 28.

Visitors took The Legacy Challenge, walking, jogging, biking and rollerblading as much of  the trail as they could. It started at the 10 a.m. ribbon cutting and the scheduled return was at the Oscar Scherer State Park trailhead for a free brunch between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. For a more relaxed journey, The Legacy Trail Passport was passed out at the trailheads for stamping, showing that participants attended all seven trailheads and a limited edition commemorative pin was presented to each individual at the Venice Train Depot. 

The Legacy Trail hosts 15 areas to stop, rest, learn about its history or just enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the trail. The rest stops include seven trailheads which offered access points with free parking and free shuttle service between trailheads on the day of the grand opening. The trailheads are located at Potter Park in Sarasota, Bay Street Park and Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey, Laurel Park in Laurel, Nokomis Park in Nokomis, Patriots Park and the historic Venice Train Depot in Venice. In addition to the trailheads, users can find eight rest station areas that offer restroom faculties and places to sit and relax.

Purchased through a partnership between Sarasota County and the Trust for Public Land in December 2004 for $11.75 million, The Legacy Trail is the backbone of network of trails planned in Sarasota County. The Legacy Trail is open from dawn to dusk with the rules for using the trail posted at various locations as well as at each trailhead entrance point.

    Click here to watch The Legacy Trail Grand Opening promo 
    Click here to view The Legacy Trail rules and regulations