Saturday, August 8, 2009

"The Legacy Trail" Connecting Venice to Sarasota and a Link to the Past


With its grand opening in March of 2008, the Legacy Trail became the largest public recreation project to be constructed in Sarasota County. More than 10 miles in length, the trail runs from south Sarasota to Venice and is a Sarasota County Rails to Trails project, following the old CSX railroad corridor.

The Legacy Trail is a great recreational resource for our community; biking, rollerblading, running, or just walking the dog along the smooth pavement. Although there are a few crossovers at roadway intersections, the trail allows you to enjoy these activities without the dangers of traffic. Trailheads are located at the Venice Train Depot, Patriot’s Park, Nokomis Community Park, Laurel Park, Oscar Sherer State Park, and at McIntosh Road. Other than park benches and port-a-potties, amenities are not yet available, but as the county get funding, more will be added to the trail.

The naming of the Legacy Trail is said “to reflect the heritage of the former railroad corridor and the trails lasting legacy for future generations”. At the request of Sarasota socialite, Bertha Palmer, the railroad corridor was extended to Venice in 1911. The railroad lines were used to transport the US Army during World War II, the Kentucky Militia, and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, who spent the winters in Venice from 1962-1992. It addition, it was the earliest way the area was discovered by future inhabitants looking for their spot in Paradise.

The Legacy Trail is easily accessed from many area Golf Course Communities, including Pelican Point Golf & Country Club, Venetian Golf and River Club, The Oaks, Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club, Prestancia, and Calusa Lakes Golf Club.


Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the properties listed on any of the golf course communities or Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Casey Key, Manasota Key, Siesta Key, Lido or Longboat Key. Call 941.350.5035

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