Weather Channel to showcase Legacy Trail

The Legacy Trail, one of Sarasota County's top recreation spots, will get national attention beginning Friday, April 11, when it is featured on the Weather Channel's "The Great Outdoors."

The segment featuring the Sarasota County recreation trail debuts at 9:10 a.m. and is also scheduled to run at 11:40 a.m., 12:40 p.m., 1:40 p.m. and 7:40 p.m.

A film crew from the Weather Channel spent two days in Sarasota County in March interviewing residents, visitors and county staff about The Legacy Trail.

"The word has gotten out that The Legacy Trail in Sarasota County is one of the best recreational experiences in the country," said Carolyn Brown, director of Sarasota County Parks and Recreation, in a statement. "We get calls from bike clubs, running clubs and nature lovers from all over the world and they all want to know more about The Legacy Trail."

The Legacy Trial opened in 2008. The nearly 10-mile long trail stretches from just south of the city of Sarasota to the city of Venice and is the largest public recreation project ever constructed in Sarasota County. The trail is built on a former CSX railway and offers seven trailheads that include restrooms, water fountains and parking. At the northernmost entrance is Culverhouse Nature Park and at the southern end is the historic Venice Train Depot.

The Friend's of The Legacy Trail, a local volunteer group that patrols the trail offering assistance to users, estimates 10,000 people visit the trail each week.

"The Legacy Trail is one of the most popular park attractions in Sarasota County," said Mike Gippert, president of The Friends of The Legacy Trail. "It is so popular that right now we are working on a study to expand the trail to the north, connecting it with Manatee County."

Contact Nolan Peterson at [email protected]