trails connectivity

New paved trail will provide additional recreational access to Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.

There’s a new trail in town. More specifically, it’s in the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Stretching for 20 miles, the paved trail was funded by the Florida Department of Transportation District 5 with Marion County serving as project manager in coordination with the CFG o ce. Going

› By JoAnn Guidry

west from the Santos Trailhead to east of State Road 200 in the Ross Prairie section of the Greenway, the paved trail is all about connectivity and accessibility.

“The new Greenway paved trail is an important link in several statewide trail systems,” says Bre Ximenes, the CFG trails and volunteer coordinator.

“This includes a connection to the Heart of Florida Loop Trail, Coast To Coast Trail and the Withlacoochee State Trail.”

Starting from the Santos Trailhead, the paved trail will go west, including through underpasses at County Road 475 and County Road 475A. It will then cross the Land Bridge over I-75, go through the

For Danny Bal, who was a horseback rider, biker and Greenway volunteer, the paved trail has a special meaning. After being hit head-on by a car while riding his motorcycle last November, Bal is now a paraplegic. A group of Greenway volunteers held a fundraiser and through donations purchased a handpowered bike for Bal.

“Thanks to the special bike and the paved trail, I can be back out on the Greenway,” says Bal. “It gives me a safe place to be active again.”

With the paved trail, the CFG now o ers more than 300 miles of recreation trails.

“We want as many people as possible to be able to enjoy the Greenway,” says Ximenes. “Of course, new trails also means we need more volunteers to help with trail maintenance. We’re always looking for more good volunteers.”

Learn more › BRE XIMENES, CFG TRAILS & VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

› Bre.Ximenes@dep.state.fl.us or (352) 236-7143