FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 5, 2018

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP Celebrates Titusville as Florida's Second Trail Town

~The city is recognized for outstanding efforts to welcome trail users~

DEP and local officials celebrate Titusville's Trail Town designation.

TITUSVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection joined the city of Titusville and local officials to celebrate the designation of Titusville as Florida's second Trail Town.

Designated by DEP's Office of Greenways and Trails, a Florida Trail Town is a community close to a long-distance non-motorized recreational trail, and welcomes hikers, bicyclists, skaters and joggers with restaurants, shops and lodging. Located on Florida’s East Coast, Titusville is at the convergence of three long-distance trails - Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail, East Coast Greenway and the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop.

“Our trails are incredibly important, connecting our communities to the natural treasures around them,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. “I congratulate the city of Titusville on their designation and for providing residents and visitors access to an incredible network of trails and recreation opportunities."  

The city formed a trails committee, spearheaded efforts to build a bicycle/pedestrian bridge over Garden Street, revamped downtown streets to be more bicyclist/pedestrian friendly, and opened a new visitor center in 2017 that includes a bike shop. An eight-minute video produced by the town documents the Trail Town evolution.

“We could not be more proud and excited about being designated as Florida’s second Trail Town by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection," said Mayor Walt Johnson. “The city recognizes the economic impact and importance of becoming a Trail Town. We continue to work diligently to become the premier destination and Trail Town in the state. Our downtown merchants are excited and beginning to see the increase in their businesses by those trail users who eat, shop, and enjoy our unique offerings." 

"We are proud to have the opportunity to connect local communities and work together," said DEP Division of Recreation and Parks Assistant Director Parks Small. "Walking through Titusville, it is easy to see how the town is welcoming to bicyclists and pedestrians. We want this to be a model for other potential Trail Towns."

DEP’s Office of Greenways and Trails encourages interested communities to conduct self-assessments to gauge their strengths and weaknesses in relation to nearby trails and users. Trail Town candidates fill out an application and are considered for approval by the legislatively established Florida Greenways and Trails Council. Designated Trail Towns are featured on the Office of Greenways and Trails website and given metal signs that can be placed at trailheads and town gateways, along with stickers for the windows of businesses.

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails 

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association. 

Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/20e3521