Sanford Celebrates Commitment to Outdoor Recreation and Eco-Tourism
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trails has officially recognized the City of Sanford as a Trail Town. The designation was celebrated by City of Sanford and Seminole County officials, along with community partners, in October during Greenways and Trails Month. The recognition highlights Sanford’s commitment to outdoor recreation, eco-tourism, and its role as a key destination for trail users.
The new Trail Town sign has been installed in Downtown Sanford along the Sanford RiverWalk trail, emphasizing the city’s status as a premier destination for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. The Sanford RiverWalk connects trail users to Downtown Sanford businesses and links them to the Cross Seminole Trail, the regional St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop, and the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail. Sanford provides trail users with essential amenities, including wayfinding signage, parking, restrooms, water fountains, pavilions, bike racks, and a welcome center.
The Trail Town Program, overseen by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trails, recognizes communities that actively support trail systems and connect to larger, regional networks. To earn the designation, a town’s trails must be located near central business districts, providing access to restaurants, bike shops, events, and other amenities. There are currently 20 Trail Towns in Florida. This designation is expected to boost Sanford’s tourism and economic growth while fostering a strong sense of community.
The Sanford Police Department and Sanford Fire Department are trained in trail emergencies to ensure the safety of all users, further enhancing the city’s appeal as a trail-friendly destination. With the Trail Town designation, Sanford will receive signage and recognition from the Office of Greenways and Trails and Visit Florida, the state’s tourism marketing corporation. Downtown visitors can also collect stamps for Trail Town passport books and identify trail-friendly businesses through Trail Town logo window displays.
Who Worked on the Trail Town Designation?
Representatives from partnering agencies and businesses formed the "Trail Town Cuties Committee" to submit a Trail Town application to the state. Committee members include:
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Robert Beall, Operations Manager, City of Sanford Parks & Recreation
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Pamela Lynch, Economic Development Project Manager and CRA Director, City of Sanford
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Karen Aplin, Tourism Director, Seminole County
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Kayla Mitchell, Director of Operations, Bike/Walk Central Florida
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Brenda Urias, Owner, Bicikleta Bike Shop
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Daniel Lewis, Attorney; President, Sanford Main Street
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Dan Ping, Executive Director, Sanford Main Street
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The City of Sanford and Seminole County are committed to fostering a vibrant community through eco-tourism, recreation, and economic development. Together, they work to promote Sanford as a destination for visitors and trail users alike. For more information about ways you can explore Downtown Sanford, visit https://doorlandonorth.com/neighborhoods/sanford/ or to learn about Sanford’s trail-friendly initiatives, visit https://sanfordfl.gov/visitors/things-to-see-and-do/.
Explore the Sanford RiverWalk and experience why Sanford is now a proud Florida Trail Town. Plan your visit today and discover the trails that connect our community!
Media Contact:
Orlando North, Seminole County
Office of Economic Development & Tourism
Shannae Greene, Program Coordinator
(407) 665-2900
sgreene@seminolecountyfl.gov