Foundation and Friends of Parks groups help make Legacy Trail more maneuverable

A portion of the Legacy Trail in Osprey can now be experienced from a different vantage point, thanks to a grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the commitment of Sarasota County Parks and Friends of the Osprey Junction Trailhead.

Since opening in 2008, the beloved trail has become a recreational staple for hundreds of thousands of people annually. Now, it can be enjoyed by everyone, including mobility-impaired individuals who may not have been able to access the trail before.

Through the new Friends of the Osprey Junction Trailhead Pedicab Ride Program, anyone can ride as passengers in a three-wheeled, volunteer-powered rickshaw, free of charge. Pedicab rides include narration by the volunteer pedalers on the history of the Legacy Trail and the surrounding natural environment. Reservations must be made in advance online here.

 “Gulf Coast Community Foundation has been committed to expanding Legacy Trail opportunities from the beginning,” says Jon Thaxton, senior vice president for community investment at Gulf Coast. “This includes not only extending the Trail to North Port and Sarasota but also extending Trail use to citizens of all abilities."

The first ride

On January 30, the inaugural pedicab ride transported two gleeful students from Easter Seals Academy Southwest Florida along the trail. The specially trained pedicab operator—a Sarasota County certified volunteer—provided informative commentary throughout the 45-minute ride, including the best picnic spots and photo ops.

From now through April 30, pedicab rides will be offered three times a day every Thursday from the Osprey Junction Trailhead Visitor Center to the South Creek Trestle Learning Area and back, about a three-mile round trip. The 2021 schedule for the Pedicab Ride Program will be announced at a later date. Visit Friends of Osprey Junction Trail Head for the latest info.

Read the November 2020 STYLE Magazine story on Gulf Coasts deep history with The Legacy Trail.