Legacy Trail extension costs could exceed $15 million

After more than a year of fundraising, the Friends of the Legacy Trail, Friends of Sarasota County Parks, and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation have met their $72,251 goal.

The money will be put toward paying for part of the feasibility study required to construct the 7.5-mile extension of the trail into downtown Sarasota. A draft of the first phase of the study reveals the cost of an extension could exceed $14. 9 million.

“The funds are all in — all accounted for,” said Kelly Romanoff, strategic engagement officer for Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The foundation is waiting for just one last gift, which has already been pledged for donation, she said.

County staff is currently finishing up the last stages of the first phase of the feasibility study, with plans to have the final report finished by February 2015.

The first phase included examining storm water management and the railroad corridor. The trail extension will follow the railroad tracks from Palmer Ranch Parkway north to Payne Park.

More than 100 individuals and organizations contributed, she said. Several fundraisers also helped out, including the 2014 March Tour de Parks bicycling fundraiser in Venice, which brought in $16,000.

“We’re all looking forward to it,” said Bruce Dillon, vice president of the Friends of Legacy Trail.

The trail is extremely popular for recreation and fitness, he said, and could lead to more economic development if fitness stores, especially those focused on running or biking, start bringing business to Sarasota.

“It’s a great way to enhance the spirit of the community,” Dillon said. “We connected with the community over this project.”