ALDERMAN MURT in Payne Park
The new trail is open (Aug 2025), with new East Ave park entrance (very near Publix) with water fountain, benches & shelter, trash can!, & a bike repair station.
This is a City initiative, not County (Legacy Trail is County). For maintenance issues, Erik Isern, Capital Projects Manager with Public Works, says that for trash can overflow issues, contact Parks & Rec., and also that Parks staff should be doing the regular mowing of this area.
An added PLUS: from the new entrance on East Ave at the SW corner of the park, in Jan 2026 the City created a bike/ped path along the newly repaved East Ave, the block that leads from the park to Wood St, & directly to Publix!
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Summary: Legacy Trail Payne Park (Alderman MURT) Project to 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.
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Additionally, as part of a (separate) FDOT repaving project for Washington Blvd (2026-2027), a pedestrian crossing light will be installed between S.PayneParkway & Brother Geenan Way for crossing extremely-busy Washington Blvd. Details, see FDOT website at https://www.swflroads.com/project/451017-1 .
Regarding that future ped crossing light on Washington Blvd, there will be "Walk" push-buttons on both sides of the road plus in the (widened) median, so you'll "request" (push the button), cross halfway, "request" again in the median, then get a light for the other half crossing.
In response to some questions, FDOT Project Manager gives some details: "Pedestrians will activate the ‘WALK’ symbol shortly after pressing the push-button (approximately 30 seconds). The median landing area includes a 10-ft wide by 20-ft long refuge area, as much space as practically possible. The midblock signal runs independent of the adjacent signalized intersections. It is not anticipated that the midblock signal will be continuously activated requiring synchronization. Adjacent signal(s) timing will be monitored following the introduction of this proposed new crosswalk signal and adjustments can/will be made for maximum efficiency and operation."
Regarding that future ped crossing light on Washington Blvd, there will be "Walk" push-buttons on both sides of the road plus in the (widened) median, so you'll "request" (push the button), cross halfway, "request" again in the median, then get a light for the other half crossing.
In response to some questions, FDOT Project Manager gives some details: "Pedestrians will activate the ‘WALK’ symbol shortly after pressing the push-button (approximately 30 seconds). The median landing area includes a 10-ft wide by 20-ft long refuge area, as much space as practically possible. The midblock signal runs independent of the adjacent signalized intersections. It is not anticipated that the midblock signal will be continuously activated requiring synchronization. Adjacent signal(s) timing will be monitored following the introduction of this proposed new crosswalk signal and adjustments can/will be made for maximum efficiency and operation."
A little info from the Project Manager (7/3/25): An opening ceremony will be scheduled once project is complete and signed off. A wayfinding sign for the Trail will be installed at the new East Ave park entrance.
Also, within the next year or so, East Ave -- between Wood St & the MURT entrance -- will be completely milled and repaved, and a protected path/sidewalk will be striped along the West side of the street (parking eliminated on that side only, parking remaining on East side by Park Lane Condos); a crosswalk will be striped to cross Wood Street to the Publix side.
Also, within the next year or so, East Ave -- between Wood St & the MURT entrance -- will be completely milled and repaved, and a protected path/sidewalk will be striped along the West side of the street (parking eliminated on that side only, parking remaining on East side by Park Lane Condos); a crosswalk will be striped to cross Wood Street to the Publix side.
Feb 2025 update: Construction has begun on the Alderman MURT (MURT means multi-use recreational trail)
July update: Construction almost complete.
July update: Construction almost complete.
Excerpts from CITY notification of residents abuttors:
February 2025
RE: Notice of Construction for The Legacy Trail Extension Through Payne Park
...
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.
...
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
...
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.
...
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.
