September 2022 – In 2017, the Hillsborough TPO created the Plant City Walk-Bike Plan and identified the Canal Connector Trail as one of three catalyst projects in the City. Now in 2022, the TPO has launched the Plant City Canal Trail Study to look at route options for such a trail.
Because of Plant City’s limited amount of active transportation and recreational trail options, the introduction of an iconic trail would potentially activate community spaces and places, connect residents to community-based programs, and support the use of alternative transportation modes for exercise, shopping, and commuting to work. To accomplish this, the planned Canal Connector Trail would extend south of Downtown Plant City to McIntosh Preserve north of Interstate 4, connecting the on-street system to residential communities, commercial areas, and other points of interest for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Plant City Canal Trail Study looked at eight alternative routes for a proposed trail. To help create its recommendations, the TPO received 250 survey responses from the public regarding additional destinations and elements to consider in the construction and long term management of the planned trail. Approximately 90% of people surveyed responded favorably to the overall trail concept.
The TPO Board will consider the study and its recommendations for approval as a consent agenda item on October 12, 2022 at 10 a.m. after a presentation to the Policy Committee at 8:30 a.m. earlier that day. To view more information about the study, visit planhillsborough.org/plant-city-canal-trail-study. For questions or comments, contact Wade Reynolds at reynoldsw@plancom.org or 813-793-2361.
