Page 20 - LIN JAN 2022 WEB FILES

70 Miles of Later in 2019, a proclamation supporting the PCT was issued

Safe Walking and Biking Trails by the Board of Collier County Commissioners. The trail was
incorporated into the County’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan,
in Collier County? and Senator Passidomo sponsored our Local Legislative Funding
request for $250,000 to fund the feasibility study.
It’s Becoming Reality! Funding Request into the 2020-2021 budget. We sent out a request
In 2020, NPC learned that Governor DeSantis signed our Local

for proposals, and once again, Kimley-Horn rose to the top of the
by Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director, firms that applied. The feasibility study, a crucial step in making the
Naples Pathways Coalition
dream of this trail a reality, began in May.
any cities in Florida like Dunedin, The effort launched with extensive outreach to stakeholders
Winter Garden, and Inverness representing local and state agencies, business and tourism,
Mhave extensive, connected multi- community foundations, environment and conservation, parks and
recreation, tribal nations, healthcare, and community developers.
use pathways that enhance the quality of life,
improve safety, and provide substantial economic The study team conducted a comprehensive
benefits. Inexplicably, Collier County lacks a safe, existing conditions survey of the study corridor
inviting pathway system for walking and biking. and currently analyzing alternative routes.
Our trails consist of the Gordon River Greenway We will be seeking input on proposed trail
alignments at a Public Open House held at River Park Community
and the Rich King Memorial Greenway. Four and three miles in
length, respectively, they are not connected to other paths and are Center on January 26, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. The team will
so popular that at times they are too crowded to enjoy safely. next conduct a targeted environmental analysis to get a head start
In recent surveys of Naples residents, walking, hiking, and on the next phase of work. Completion of the study is expected by
biking trails were cited as the second most important recreation June 2022, with project segments ready for programming, design,
and construction.
facilities (beaches came in first). Trails ranked number one in
unmet needs. A safe pathway system for non-motorized recreation Naples Pathways Coalition is hosting a free public event, the
and transportation is genuinely what the residents and visitors to Paradise Coast Trail Community Celebration, to mark the kick-off
Collier County need. of the trail at Baker Park on February 5, 2022, from 1:00 to
In 2018, Naples Pathways Coalition (NPC) introduced a multi- 4:00 pm. Some planned activities include a bike rodeo, bike
decorating contest, a children’s bike ride, a 1K fun run, a bounce
use pathway system for Collier County. We began meeting with
city, county, and state representatives, local and state Departments house, a splash pad, and games. Adults will enjoy tasty treats,
of Transportation, our hospital system, and business and cornhole, a pet parade, giveaways,and more. Sponsorship
community leaders. NPC received support for the trail across the opportunities are still available. Contact Michelle@NaplesPathways.
board. We contacted the national organization, Rails to Trails, and org for more information.
We urge the community to come out to the Open House in
shared our vision. In January 2019, we coordinated to host a kick-
off meeting with members of their team, a broad representation January and the Community Celebration in February. The Paradise
from city and county transportation, our Metropolitan Planning Coast Trail is going to be an incredible amenity for Collier County.
Organization, members of local government, parks and recreation, We need everyone’s support to get it built to enjoy it in our lifetime
PARADISE COAST TRAIL (PCT)

public transit, an architect, and others. and leave this remarkable legacy for our children and grandchildren!
Fundraising began, and in April 2019, NPC hired Kimley-
Immokalee
Horn to help develop a strategic plan, map a possible study
ESTERO CORKSCREW
SWAMP
corridor with Collier County Transportation Department and the SANCTUARY
75 Immokalee Road
Collier MPO, and increase community awareness and support for
BONITA SPRINGS
the project. The Paradise Coast Trail (PCT) was decided as the Big Corkscrew Ave Maria
Island Regional 29
Park
name for the trail, and we continued gaining broad support. North Collier
Regional Park
Paradise
Livingston Road Corridor for safe and enjoyable walking,
Coast Trail
The PCT will be a premier
41 Conceptual 70+ mile trail built exclusively
running and biking.
The trail will connect Naples,
other areas within and beyond
FLORIDA PANTHER
NAPLES Golden Gate Collier County Ave Maria, Immokalee and many
Collier County, with
NATIONAL
future connection opportunities
WILDLIFE REFUGE
Sports and Events to Marco Island and other
Baker Complex locales.
Park 75 It will also expand transportation
options, improve health and
wellness, reduce our carbon
footprint and provide a
destination to experience the
Lely Paradise Coast’s unique beauty. BIG CYPRESS
Donna Fiala PICAYUNE NATIONAL
Eagle Lakes STRAND STATE PRESERVE
Community Park FOREST
FAKAHATCHEE
STRAND PRESERVE
STATE PARK
951
MARCO ISLAND COLLIER-SEMINOLE
STATE PARK

20 Life in Naples | January 2022
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EVERGLADES CITY
I