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Officials Have Vision To Make Zephyrhills 'Healthy City, USA'

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 17, 2008

Zephyrhills officials have a grand vision for the future, one that could make for a healthier, more active population.

The city is considering developing a system of multipurpose trails. But instead of looking to purchase a large swath of land, city leaders smartly want to connect the dots by linking shopping areas, city parks, major streets and schools, among other destinations, through 6-foot-wide trails.

It would be Zephyrhills' version of mass transit - for walkers, joggers, bicyclists and skaters. And it would make the city more livable, giving residents a great reason to leave their car keys by the front door, as well as get some exercise.

Taxpayers shouldn't worry, either. The city would apply for grants to fund the $2.2 million project.

Consider the possibilities: One day residents could go motorless from Zephyrhills High School to the YMCA and then to Hercules Park. And there's the possibility that a southernmost trail could link up with Hillsborough State Park, one of the best parks in the Tampa Bay area.

In addition, there's a possibility to the north.

It would be ideal if Zephyrhills, Dade City, Pasco County and state officials could develop a trail along U.S. 301, at least along the eight- to nine-mile stretch between Zephyrhills and Dade City. One could have the impact of the Pinellas Trail in Pinellas County or the trail along the Suncoast Parkway in central Pasco, with folks enjoying the nice downtowns of both cities and the scenery in between. Festival days would be especially alluring.

Overall, Zephyrhills is a nice, bustling city. But traffic, especially along U.S. 301, is a major problem, even when seasonal residents are not here. By developing a trail system, people wouldn't always need their vehicles, especially for short trips.

Every bit of congestion that can be reduced will help improve quality of life and save tax dollars needed for road projects.

A trail network would benefit downtown merchants, too. Families out for a stroll or riding bikes could stop to shop or get a bite to eat, all without the hassle of parking vehicles. This is yet another way to encourage people to visit downtown, and merchants groups could have fun with marketing themes.

Zephyrhills' officials are being creative with their trail proposal, and it should generate a lot of excitement. With gas prices unlikely to drop to reasonable levels again, it's also an idea that could save people money, make for less congested roads and get more people in shape.

We can see it now: "Zephyrhills: Healthy City, USA."

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