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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 03 25 Informational 201 Becoming a Gateway Community via the Florida Trail AssociationCOMMISSION AGENDA ITEM 201 Informational X Consent Public Hearings Regular March 25, 2019 KS CC Regular Meeting City Manager Department REQUEST: The Parks and Recreation Department wishes to advise the City Commission about Winter Springs becoming a "Gateway Community" through the Florida Trail Association. SYNOPSIS: Florida Trail Association has partnered with US Forrest Service to designate towns along the Florida National Scenic Trail as a "Gateway Community". This allows any hikers, joggers, bikers or pedestrians using the Cross Seminole Trail to visit any of our town distinct features or businesses along or close to the trail. Participants then may collect stamps on their Florida Trails "passport" as a fun way and memento of their experience on the CST. Florida Trails Association covers all costs and provides the stamp and decals for the program. CONSIDERATIONS: A Gateway Community is a City in close proximity to the Florida Trail that offers accommodation, restaurants, grocery stores, and recreational opportunities. This program works by connecting our hikers to these towns and local businesses along the Florida Trail, and vice versa. A Gateway Community does not only bring awareness, safety, and accommodation to enhance hikers' experience on the Florida Trail, but also provides publicity, tourism, and economic growth to the town's local businesses Florida's extensive network of trails includes more than 2,500 miles of dedicated hiking trails and more than 4,500 miles of shared -use trails, including the 1,100 -mile Florida National Scenic Trail. These trails not only allow for incredible birding, ecological Informational 201 PAGE 1 OF 2 - March 25, 2019 sightseeing and exposure to a large variety of plants and animals, they are also a fun source of recreation and fitness opportunities. Florida Hiking Trails promote a healthy, outdoor lifestyle that the whole family can enjoy! FISCAL IMPACT: No fiscal impact. All costs are covered by Florida Trail Association. COMMUNICATION EFFORTS: This Agenda Item has been electronically forwarded to the Mayor and City Commission, City Manager, City Attorney/Staff, and is available on the City's Website, LaserFiche, and the City's Server. Additionally, portions of this Agenda Item are typed verbatim on the respective Meeting Agenda which has also been electronically forwarded to the individuals noted above, and which is also available on the City's Website, LaserFiche, and the City's Server; has been sent to applicable City Staff, Media/Press Representatives who have requested Agendas/Agenda Item information, Homeowner's Associations/Representatives on file with the City, and all individuals who have requested such information. This information has also been posted outside City Hall, posted inside City Hall with additional copies available for the General Public, and posted at six (6) different locations around the City. Furthermore, this information is also available to any individual requestors. City Staff is always willing to discuss this Agenda Item or any Agenda Item with any interested individuals. RECOMMENDATION: Staff requests the City Commission receive and review the information provided in this Agenda Item. ATTACHMENTS: Winter Springs Stamp for passports. (Stamp will be Blue ink) Informational 201 PAGE 2 OF 2 - March 25, 2019 + 45 I 7+�59 _ 4 v cc)