BRADENTON, Fla. — Manatee County is building a new outdoor experience that will eventually offer people 25 miles of trails connecting to several counties.

Manatee commissioners are supplementing the start of this expansion with $2.1 million that will aid in the construction and design process.

For decades, Charlie Hunsicker has dedicated his career to the trails of Manatee County.

“Sometimes, trails can bring you a number of surprises,” he said.

At Perico Preserve, you never know what kind of animals you might see along the way.

“It’s that peace and solitude. You can tell (the animals) are enjoying it, and when you are out here in nature, you can share that experience,” Hunsicker said.

A variety of plants lie near the path.

“As it flowers and sends out its seeds, this becomes a sea of waving beauty,” he said.

It’s walks like these that Hunsicker wants to bring to a whole new level. Twenty-five miles of new trails will be made in Manatee County, expanding the Gateway Greenway Multipurpose Trail System.

“More people are understanding the value of getting outside for exercises, opening up paved trails and hard-packed shell trails to a whole new generation of folks,” he said.

County commissioners recently voted to provide $2.1 million of funding, which Hunsicker says will help build the first mile of these new trails.

“The funding most recently made available will be applied in the area of Lincoln Park in Palmetto and move along 17th Street and other roadway corridors to intercept Florida Power and Light Railroad Track,” he said.

The plan is to eventually create trails that will connect to the Gulf Coast Trail, stretching from Collier to Hernando County. 

“We will be doing that cross-country, multi-county trail that moves from Sarasota north, aligning itself eventually with Hillsborough County and beyond,” Hunsicker said.

Hunsicker hopes to provide others with the experiences he had as a kid.

“I grew up in Northern Wisconsin National Forest, Lake Superior, camping with my family, Boy Scouts. I grew up with an appreciation that there is always a balance to seek and experience,” he said.

And the County commission agrees: the new funding proving they understand the value of this project.

“The time is now. Other communities are working hard to expand their trail experience. We are funding our parks at a heavy load,” he said.

It’s a commitment from both Hunsicker and the county to provide more ways to enjoy nature.

Hunsicker says construction on the first mile will begin in January 2025.