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Zephyrhills Considers Building A Trail System

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By NICOLA M. WHITE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 10, 2008

ZEPHYRHILLS - Those training to run a marathon have two options here: run endless loops at the high school track or dodge traffic and run along city streets, few of which have sidewalks.

In the next six years, that could dramatically change.

The city is considering a massive project to connect city parks, major streets, shopping districts and points of recreation, such as the YMCA and city schools, with miles and miles of wide, multipurpose trails.

Marathon runners, of course, wouldn't be the only ones to benefit from the project. The pathways, which would be about 6 feet wide, would be suitable for walkers, joggers, bicyclists and in-line skaters - basically, anyone pursuing physical activity that doesn't involve a motorized vehicle.
City officials see the project as a way to enhance the recreational and transportation options of the community. Who doesn't complain these days about the price of gas?

"Any time we propose a sidewalk, people are in favor of it," city planner Todd Vande Berg said. "This is even more than a sidewalk."

In the next six years, almost every neighborhood in Zephyrhills could be connected by the trails.

The first trail, which could be built in 2009, would run along Eiland Boulevard, from Fort King Road to U.S. 301, and then along County Road 54, from U.S. 301 to 12th Street. That trail would connect Zephyrhills High School, the YMCA and Hercules Park.

Down the road, the city would like to connect the southern points of Zephyrhills with Hillsborough State Park.

"This would provide for our growing and changing community," Vande Berg said. "As young people move here, they look for things like that."

City Manager Steve Spina, who trained for a marathon in 2003, said his training would have been a lot easier if he were able to run on paths like the ones being proposed.

To pay for the trails, the city will pursue grants, he said. All told, the project could cost $2.2 million.

The city's planning commission will discuss this project at its next meeting, 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, at Zephyrhills City Hall, 5335 Eighth St.

The public is invited to express their opinions on the proposal.

HAVE A SAY

The city will hold a public hearing at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Zephyrhills City Hall, 5335 Eighth St. The city planning commission will consider the master plan. The public is encouraged to attend.

Reporter Nicola M. White can be reached at (813) 779-4613 or nwhite1@tampatrib.com.

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