PRESS RELEASE: April 16, 2015
FIVE RECREATIONAL
TRAIL PROJECTS TO BEGIN
~Projects
provide additional recreational trail opportunities~
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida
Recreational Trails Program announces that contracts have been executed and work can begin to develop and renovate trails around the state.
“These projects help communities meet the needs of both land
and water trail enthusiasts, build on previous investments and develop new
facilities,” said Bryan Bradner, acting director of DEP’s Office of Operations. "Issuance of the contract agreements allows our partners to begin work on these diverse projects funded through the Recreational Trails Program."
The five contracts are as follows:
- The city of Wilton Manors – Funding will be used for
construction of approximately 1,846 linear feet of 8-foot-wide hard surface at
Mickel Field Park, as well as the installation of outdoor fitness stations,
covered benches and a six-foot tall fence for safety separation. Mickel Field
Park is located along State Road 845.
- Leon County – Funding will be used to renovate phase-three
of the Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway’s existing trail, beginning at the
Fleischman Road Trailhead. Improvements include the design and construction of
1.5 to two miles of 10-to-12 foot wide compacted stone dust multi-use trail and
the installation of benches, a drinking fountain, directional markers and an
interpretive kiosk.
- South Florida Water Management District – Funding will be
used to construct the DuPuis Trailhead. Elements of the project include an
access road, a parking area, an informational kiosk, an accessible walkway,
signage and related support facilities.
- Okeechobee County – Funding will be used to construct 5,300
linear feet of 12-foot-wide asphalt trail and the installation of two shade
structures at Okee-Tantie Park. Okee-Tantie serves as a major connection to the
Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, the Florida National Scenic Trail and the
Kissimmee River Blueway.
- Lake County Water Improvement Authority – Funding will be
used for improvements to the Crooked River Trailhead and paddling trail, which
include installing of a restroom and kiosk, constructing a canoe/kayak
launch structure and walkway, and enhancing accessibility to the facilities.
A federally funded assistance program of the United States Department of Transportation's Federal
Highway Administration, the Recreational Trails Program enables local communities to renovate, develop or maintain recreational trails and trailside facilities. A portion of the grant awards must be matched by the
grantee. In Florida, the competitive-grant program is administered by the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Land and Recreation Grants
section within the Office of Operations.
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