The long-awaited plans for a new linear park along Osceola Avenue are changing, as mutual agreements could not be met with regards to cost and design. And while the new plan is not what the city originally pictured, the city of Ocala is doing an amazing job given the limitations of Osceola and the train rail that runs along it.
The park will definitely enhance the area, with the proposal including a north-south linear multi-purpose trail from Southwest Third Street to Northeast Fifth Street along Osceola Avenue. It will include a 12-foot-wide bike and pedestrian trail on the west side of the railroad tracks that will replace the current five-foot-wide sidewalk. The current six-foot-wide track on the other side of the tracks will be lined with trees plenty of new beautiful lanscaping and will include seven partial and complete crosswalk areas.
The entire path will be bookended by the new farmer’s market on Southeast Third Street and the Ocala Union Train Station at Northeast Fifth Street, where the city offers work space and art displays for the public to use and enjoy.
Approximately $2.3 million ishas been allocated for the linear park project with most of it going to repaving Osceola, as well as for lighting along the paths. The city is applying to the Florida Department of Transportation for an additional $900,000 grant to pay for the multi-purpose trail.
The paving of Osceola is slated to begin in June, and hopefully completion of the park will happen in a timely manner. For more information on the project, read the article at ocala.com.
