Big changes are on the way for the three-mile stretch of the Pinellas Trail that runs through Largo.
Seven places along Largo's part of the trail have been marked for new community interfaces, making it easier for residents to access and use the path.
The city hopes that by expanding the way the trail interacts with the downtown core, they will be able to enhance the city's image.
Carol Stricklin, who is the city's community development director, said the improvements will include nicer signage and some park space built in along the way.
"We're looking at doing public education about some of the ecological benefits such as stormwater treatment," she said. "We're looking for tying in for better health outcomes with our Medical Arts District. So there's many facets to this project that are going to benefit the community."
While these changes are likely to make Largo's section of the trail a better experience for those who use it, the enhancements are ultimately about business.
"We've seen in other communities how they've been able to use the trail as an economic development tool and what we've heard from our community is they want downtown better connected to the trail and they want mobility options," Stricklin said. "This project will definitely serve that purpose."
Largo wants people to spend their money in Largo, rather than up the trail in Dunedin or in Tarpon Springs. Both cities have successfully tied the trail into their downtown communities.
Designs will be finalized this year, with construction beginning soon after. The city hopes to have the new Pinellas Trail open through Largo in 2017.