ALDERMAN MURT in Payne Park
Feb 2025 update: Construction has begun on the Alderman MURT
(MURT means multi-use recreational trail)
Summary: Legacy Trail Payne Park (Alderman MURT) Project will connect Legacy Trail from School Ave terminus across south edge of Payne Park to Alderman St (over behind Sarasota Ford), and thence towards Washington Blvd (301), with a new pedestrian/bike entrance at East Ave. The City held a public open house 10/26/23 to present the project and answer questions. See City's Alderman MURT page: graphics, reports and documents are posted online.
Text of CITY notification of residents follows:
February 2025
RE: Notice of Construction for The Legacy Trail Extension Through Payne Park
Dear Resident,
We are writing to inform you that the upcoming construction of The Legacy Trail Payne Park
(Alderman MURT) began the week of February 24, 2025. This project is an exciting opportunity to
enhance connectivity and recreational options in our community. The planned improvements
include the following:
• Construction of a 12-foot asphalt trail and lighting, shielded from residences, through
the southern portion of Payne Park, providing a safe and enjoyable path for pedestrians and
bicyclists.
• Sidewalk enhancements on Alderman Street/S Payne Parkway to Payne Parkway,
aimed at improving pedestrian accessibility and safety.
• Enhance landscaping and shade shelter to provide people with an area for rest and
additional information.
• Removal of the wall on the public right of way at the East Avenue terminus to facilitate
improved access and visibility.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to enhance our community’s
infrastructure. We are committed to keeping you informed throughout the construction process and
ensuring minimal disruption to your daily activities.
Any questions or concerns related to the construction of this trail project may contact the project manager:
Erik Isern, PE
Capital Projects Manager, Public Works
Phone : (941) 263-6138
Mobile : (941) 390-5078
Email : [email protected]
1761 12th St. Sarasota, FL 34236
February 2025
RE: Notice of Construction for The Legacy Trail Extension Through Payne Park
Dear Resident,
We are writing to inform you that the upcoming construction of The Legacy Trail Payne Park
(Alderman MURT) began the week of February 24, 2025. This project is an exciting opportunity to
enhance connectivity and recreational options in our community. The planned improvements
include the following:
• Construction of a 12-foot asphalt trail and lighting, shielded from residences, through
the southern portion of Payne Park, providing a safe and enjoyable path for pedestrians and
bicyclists.
• Sidewalk enhancements on Alderman Street/S Payne Parkway to Payne Parkway,
aimed at improving pedestrian accessibility and safety.
• Enhance landscaping and shade shelter to provide people with an area for rest and
additional information.
• Removal of the wall on the public right of way at the East Avenue terminus to facilitate
improved access and visibility.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to enhance our community’s
infrastructure. We are committed to keeping you informed throughout the construction process and
ensuring minimal disruption to your daily activities.
Any questions or concerns related to the construction of this trail project may contact the project manager:
Erik Isern, PE
Capital Projects Manager, Public Works
Phone : (941) 263-6138
Mobile : (941) 390-5078
Email : [email protected]
1761 12th St. Sarasota, FL 34236
History of Support & Opposition to project: In 2023 residents had set up online petitions of opposition &/or support regarding details of this project; see Larry's petition to STOP the proposed opening of public ped/bike access at the end of East Ave into the park, plus concerns and suggestions about possible other changes to East Ave in conjunction with this project (although currently outside the scope of said project) change.org/SaveEastAve; see also Linda's petition in favor of, specifically, creating a public ped/bike access to that side of Payne Park change.org/p/free-east-ave. The "free" petition aims to support the planned new public access entrance from East Ave, whereas the "save" petition is essentially an attempt to DENY public access from East Ave, largely from abutting Park Lane Condo residents (who already have a private locked gate access into the park). In the interest of full disclosure: the "save" petition was started by a resident of said abutting condo; the "free" petition was started by the editor of This Website.
