Friends of BERT – Vision for the Future
By all measures, Friends of BERT’s growth since our launch on September 2022 has been hugely successful. We have grown to over 3300 members; built a volunteer organization with over 80 members; received endorsements from 24 area HOAs representing 21,000 homes; helped build consensus with elected government officials and staff at the municipality, county, state and federal levels; established a coalition with area business leaders; successfully launched our ‘ConnectLEE’ campaign to promote the future 42 mile Florida Gulf Coast Trail in Lee County; conducted numerous public educational events to hundreds of area residents; and established media relationships resulting in multiple stories being published promoting the trail. None of this would have been possible without the overwhelming public support we have received and for that we thank you!
Certainly, Friends of BERT’s primary focus now, (together with our partners at Trust for Public Land), is working to secure the funding commitments for the acquisition of the rail corridor. Simultaneously, we are working to the secure the funding necessary for the Project Development & Environmental study needed prior to construction as well as helping to secure the funds necessary for the actual construction of the trail. We are off to a great start in that regard but there is much more work to be done. But our work is not limited to that alone. The Friends of BERT’s Board of Directors have been working to lay out a vision for the future, and more specifically, where our primary focus should be once the initial trail has been constructed. As a result of that planning exercise, Friends of BERT has already begun the process of preparing for that future. That includes how we need to organize, set fundraising goals, (to include grants), and plan for how we will spend the funds we raise for the benefit of the trail community. Below is a brief description of our future focus areas and how we plan to evolve over time once the initial construction begins on the trail:
Trail Enhancements & Amenities
Secure funding, plan and help build trail enhancements and amenities such as ‘pocket’ parks, benches, restrooms, bike racks, water stations, etc. This also includes enhancements to the trail’s greenway, completing connections from the trail to other parts of the community. Friends of BERT will also be working hard to make the trial accessible to all.
Private/Public Partnerships
Work together with local governments to provide the needed public support and share in the funding necessary to make a world class trail that can only be accomplished with a private/public partnership. This partnership is already developing as our community leaders come to embrace the idea of the trail and how Friends of BERT has been contributing to making the trail possible.
Trail Maintenance Program
Maintenance of the trail is critical to its future success. Establishing ownership for maintenance and helping define trail maintenance standards are paramount. Along those lines, a member of Friends of BERT leadership, (Terry Koch), has recently been appointed by Commissioner Ray Sandelli to the Lee County Parks and Recreation Advisory Council. This will not only provide the input we need to represent BERT but also to the various trails in the county that BERT will eventually be connected, as well as others throughout the county.
Promoting Business Development Along the Trail
One of the most exciting aspects of the future trail is the expected growth of the various businesses along the trail that can only happen with the number of users that a good trail can attract. Well established trails not only provide a connection to nature but also include supporting businesses such as restaurants, bike rental shops, breweries, etc., that service the trails and provide a wonderful ‘destination’ experience for trail users. Our goal is to work with prospective businesses in a way that not only creates opportunities for owners but also does it in a way that respects the outdoor experience that trail users are looking for.
Trail Watch Ambassador Program
Safety and security are key elements of any successful trail. Friends of BERT’s vision is to establish a Trail Watch Ambassador Program staffed by volunteers that not only provide assistance to trail users for such things are flat tries but also become the eyes and ears of local law enforcement to help keep the trail safe and secure.
Promotion of the Trail
Look at almost any successful area attraction and you are bound to find a successful promotion campaign behind it. Our goal is to work together with organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Lee County Visitor Bureau to promote the use of the trail that helps ensure its success. Friends of BERT has also been working to promote the greater Florida Gulf Coast Trail which BERT will become part of once complete via our ConnectLEE campaign. We have also begun to build a relationship with area media and plan to leverage that going forward to help promote the trail.
The Friends of BERT organization will continue to evolve as we move into the future and buoyed by the continued support of the community along the way. Along those lines, please let us know what you think of our plans and your ideas of what we might be able to do to make our vision for the future come to fruition.
