State Names Dunedin Florida's First Trail Town

DUNEDIN, FL - Dunedin's reputation as a mecca for non-motorized trail users hasn't gone unnoticed by state officials. Under a new program administered by the state Office of Greenways and Trails, Dunedin has been designated Florida's first official trail town by the Florida Greenways and Trails Council.

Bicyclists, joggers, in-line skaters and leisurely walkers access the town by way of the Pinellas Trail, which runs through downtown on an abandoned CSX railroad corridor. The multi-use trail stretches from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs and town officials attribute it to a sharp rise in the business occupancy rate, from 30 percent to 100 percent. Bike shops, cafes, hotels, and other businesses all cater to trail users.

"We couldn't be more proud," said Dunedin Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski. "Our downtown has thrived around the trail and attracted folks from all ages and abilities. We like to think of the trail as the main artery of our community."

"The trail has been a major catalyst for the revitalization of Downtown Dunedin, bringing in a constant stream of people who shop eat and play in our quaint Main Street area,” said Dunedin Economic Development and Housing Director Bob Ironsmith. “Embracing and enhancing the trail has led the effort in making Downtown Dunedin a top destination to visit, and we are very proud of receiving the Trail Town designation."

"Our trails are incredibly important as they connect our communities to the natural treasures around them," said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. "I would like to congratulate the City of Dunedin on being the first trail town in recognition of the incredible network of trails in the community, and the benefits those trails provide residents and visitors year-round."

"A Florida Trail Town is a vibrant destination where people come together,” said Doug Alderson, assistant bureau chief of the Office of Greenways and Trails. “A goal of the Florida Trail Town program is to acknowledge successes such as Dunedin with the hope that other communities will be inspired to follow suit. It is a win-win for both the towns and trail users."

A Trail Town Designation celebration is being planned to take place on the Pinellas Trail in downtown Dunedin in April.

Image via city of Dunedin