Extensions to Sanibel’s Shared Use Path Being Considered

by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino

The Sanibel Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee reviewed the 2024 update to the Shared Use Path Master Plan and prepared a priority list of path extensions based on the recommendations in the report.

The city council members discussed the committee’s priority list of path extensions on Tuesday, August 19. They ultimately decided to direct city staff to study the feasibility of the recommendations and consider their comments and preferences.

The top five, as recommended by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, are:
1) New path connection, Casa Ybel Road to Main Street
2) New path connection, Dunlop Road to Dixie Beach Boulevard
3) Periwinkle Way, Dunlop Road to Bailey Road
4) Rabbit Road, West Gulf Drive to Sanibel Captiva Road
5) Periwinkle Way, Lighthouse Beach Park entrance to Lighthouse Park Fishing Pier Parking Lot

Consider providing a new Shared Use Path connection along the north side of Periwinkle Way between Dunlop Road and Bailey Road to help relieve congestion along the existing Path and improve access to the businesses and neighborhoods on the north side of Periwinkle Way.

Consider providing a Shared Use Path connection directly along Rabbit Road between West Gulf Drive and Sanibel Captiva Road.

Explore possibility of providing a Shared Use Path connection through or adjacent to the conservation area north of Periwinkle Way to connect Dunlop Road to Dixie Beach Boulevard.

Extending the Path to the Gulfside City Park parking lot would provide additional connectivity to the park’s facilities and access to the beach, which could help address parking demand.

Consider extending the Shared Use Path from its current terminus at the Lighthouse Beach Park entrance north toward the Lighthouse Park Fishing Pier parking lot.

“Basically, we’re seeing how far we can stretch $1 million,” said Mayor Mike Miller.

Council member Richard Johnson said he had two considerations. “First, where do we have safety concerns, and second, where do people want to go?”

“The Shared Use Path is one of the crown jewels of our community, right behind the beaches,” Johnson continued. “We need to be looking for additional funds.”

City staff will bring a list of findings, with Council comments, to the next meeting.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee also reviewed path enhancements and ranked them, but they are not under discussion at this time. The rankings and recommendations will be available on the city’s website as an addendum to the 2024 Master Plan.