The next segment of Leesburg's popular recreational trails could be completed by April, providing a scenic route near downtown's beautiful Fountain Lake.

 

Construction started this month on the first of two phases to convert nearly two miles of former railroad into a paved access for pedestrians and cyclists. Initial work will create a trail stretching almost 3,900 feet between Canal and 13th streets and also provide benches and parking.

 

The project is funded with a $200,000 matching grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program. Leesburg is contributing another $200,000 to be paid from recreation impact fees.

 

"We are fortunate to have grant funds and recreation impact fees that are allowing us to expand our recreational facilities.  This is another great milestone in Leesburg's long-range plan to have an extensive network of trails," said Leesburg City Manager Jay Evans.

 

Once completed, the Fountain Lake Trail will connect to Leesburg's Venetian and Magnolia trails to the east.

 

West of Fountain Lake is the proposed Leesburg-Wildwood Trail, which will run more than two miles toward the Sumter County line. That segment of trail is set to receive $1.9 million in funding from the Florida Department of Transportation.

 

The overall Leesburg Greenway Trail system is proposed for 553 acres and will include - among other things - several trail segments spanning 24 miles, connecting neighborhoods throughout much of Leesburg.

 

Leesburg is a progressive city of more than 20,000 residents in northwest Lake County. The city government serves twice as many people with its electric, gas, water, wastewater and fiber-optic public utilities. Leesburg also is a central hub for commerce, attracting 50,000 people to work each weekday. For more information, visit www.leesburgflorida.gov<http://www.leesburgflorida.gov>.