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Why the Paradise Coast Trail is Vital to the Bonita

Estero Rail Trail and Why the Bonita Estero Rail Trail

is Vital to the Paradise Coast Trail

by Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director,
Naples Pathways Coalition

he Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT) and the • A draw for regional tourism and outdoor recreation
Paradise Coast Trail are not simply neighboring • A key connector between Lee County communities and Collier County
T trail projects. They are strategic pieces of one destinations
continuous regional active-transportation network. When • A catalyst for economic development, trail-oriented businesses, and
connected, they transform what would otherwise be local property value enhancement
trails into a true Southwest Florida mobility corridor that • And the relationship works both ways. The BERT allows the Paradise
benefits residents, businesses, and visitors across county Coast Trail to:
lines. • Extend its reach into Lee County, connecting to a larger population base
Southwest Florida is growing rapidly, and with that • Provide a safe corridor for commuters and students traveling between
growth comes increasing congestion, safety concerns, and demand for outdoor communities
recreation. The Bonita Estero Rail Trail and the Paradise Coast Trail together • Become part of a larger Florida Gulf Coast Trail system that could
represent a once in a generation opportunity to build a safe, continuous, and ultimately connect to several statewide trail networks
connected trail network linking Lee and Collier Counties. In a nutshell, the Paradise Coast Trail provides scale, continuity, and
Individually, each trail would serve thousands of residents every week. long-term vision that elevates the Bonita Estero Rail Trail beyond a short,
Connected, they create something far more powerful: a regional spine for active standalone project, and the BERT gives the Paradise Coast Trail regional
transportation and recreation stretching across the heart of Southwest Florida. relevance and expanded impact.
The Bonita Estero Rail Trail is the critical northern gateway for the Paradise Together, the two trails create the kind of long distance experience that
Coast Trail that will connect our trail to become part of the 420-mile Florida attracts cyclists, walkers, runners, and visitors from across the region and
Gulf Coast Trail that will span from Naples past Tampa! beyond. And, the benefits multiply too:
One of the most strategic segments of the Paradise Coast Trail is the portion Safer Transportation - A continuous, separated trail provides a safe
running along Livingston Road and the Veterans Memorial Boulevard corridor alternative to high-speed roadways, reducing conflicts between cyclists,
where a Project Development and Environment Study is currently underway. pedestrians, and vehicles.
This section sits at the northern entryway of Collier County, where Naples Economic Development - Trails across the country consistently generate
is rapidly growing toward Bonita Springs and the Lee County line. Today, millions in economic impact, supporting restaurants, bike shops, lodging, and
Livingston Road carries heavy traffic and serves as a major north–south artery outdoor recreation businesses.
for commuters, families, and students, but it offers limited safe space for people Health and Quality of Life - Connected trails make it easier for residents
who want to walk, run, or bike. The Paradise Coast Trail segment planned of all ages to walk, run, and bike for recreation and daily transportation,
for this corridor will create a safe, separated multi-use pathway that connects improving public health and community vitality.
neighborhoods, schools, parks, and employment centers while moving residents Regional Connectivity - The combined trail system links neighborhoods,
safely through one of the region’s fastest-growing areas. Just as importantly, this parks, schools, employment centers, and downtown areas, helping people
corridor is the critical bridge between Collier County and the Bonita Estero move safely without needing a car.
Rail Trail. A Generational Opportunity - The Bonita Estero Rail Trail and the
When the Livingston/Veterans Memorial segment of the Paradise Coast Paradise Coast Trail represent a rare moment when two counties can align
Trail reaches the county line, it sets the stage for a seamless connection into vision, infrastructure, and community support to create a transformational
BERT, linking Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero into a continuous regional regional asset.
trail system. In this way, the Livingston Road corridor is more than a local Together, BERT and the Paradise Coast Trail will form the backbone of
improvement; it is the southern entryway that allows the Bonita Estero Rail an active transportation network that helps define the future of Southwest
Trail and the Paradise Coast Trail to function as one connected network, Florida, gaining a safe, healthy, and inspiring corridor that will serve
unlocking safe mobility, recreation, and economic opportunity across Southwest generations of residents and visitors alike. To learn more and help blaze the
Florida. trail, visit NaplesPathways.org.
The Paradise Coast Trail will be a 100-mile multi-use trail network We invite you to get involved in our advocacy work by joining Naples
connecting Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Immokalee, Ave Maria, Pathways Coalition or donating to support our mission to create a safe, walkable
Everglades City, and other communities. and bikeable Collier County.
By linking into this system, the Bonita Estero Rail Trail becomes: Visit https://naplespathways.org/get-involved
• Part of a major destination trail network rather than an isolated corridor

For more information, please visit www.NaplesPathways.org and www.HandsFreeFlorida.org
If you have any specific questions, email me at Michelle@NaplesPathways.org
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