Amenities

8 foot wide paved trails for bicycling, rollerblading, walking and running, fishing, train station (docents provide free tours), picnic shelters, grills, park benches, pet-friendly, dog clean-up stations, restrooms

Parking on the west side of the Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) is located on Golf Street, on the east side of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice; and at the east end of Airport Avenue, through the gates, on the dirt road, to the south side of Circus Bridge. Parking on the east side of the ICW is at Marina Park and Boat Ramp, the historic Venice Train Depot and Shamrock Park in South Venice

See also www.vabi.org

Experiences

Venetian Waterway Park connects downtown Venice to Caspersen Beach Park. It includes both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway along a ten mile stretch through downtown Venice; it is great for walkers, joggers, bicycle riders, dogs and children. While parts of the park are in an urban setting, the majority of the paved path provides a quiet experience overlooking the water and winding through the Florida landscape. You might spot gopher tortoises crossing your path or a bald eagle sunning in a tree. The park is home to scrub jays, alligators and bob cats, especially on the southwest side.

Cross the Venice Avenue Bridge to the east side of the trail and walk from the historic Venice Train Station to Shamrock Park to the south, or head north on the Legacy Trail to Oscar Scherer State Park and on to Palmer Ranch Parkway.

History

The park is the result of a grass roots effort that began about 15 years ago. Venice Area Beautification Inc. took on the project with fundraising and volunteer hours. They enlisted the help of the City of Venice for funding and engineering work.

Habitats

Urban pocket park

Acreage

42 acres

Watershed

Dona/Roberts Bay

Who Owns and Maintains

Owned and maintained by City of Venice, with one section maintained by Sarasota County

Website

www.venicegov.com

SCAT Bus stop and route

Historic Venice Train Station (Scat Transfer Station)