ST. CLOUD, Fla. – Osceola County officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday morning to celebrate the grand opening of the Kissimmee–St. Cloud Connector Trail, a 1.47-mile multi-use path aimed at improving access and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Located just off Brown Chapel Road in St. Cloud, the trail links existing paths along Neptune Road to the Fortune Lakeshore Trail and passes under the busy U.S. Highway 192 overpass, an area county leaders say needed safer, more accessible infrastructure.
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“When we talk about infrastructure, people typically just think about roads,” District 4 Commissioner Cheryl Grieb said. “But mobility is so important, for our health, our community, and for the environment. This is a great way to connect people and neighborhoods.”
The trail is 10 feet wide, allowing for two-way pedestrian and bike traffic and includes pedestrian safety upgrades. It’s the latest piece of Osceola County’s 200-mile Master Trail Plan, which envisions a regional network of connected pathways across the county and beyond.
“This little section is part of a much larger vision,” Grieb added. “Eventually, these trails will link to systems in Orange and Polk counties, and one day, connect coast-to-coast or north to south across Florida.”
The trail project is also part of a broader statewide initiative to expand walkable and bikeable infrastructure. Florida’s growing investment in multi-use trails is aimed at improving transportation options, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and boosting eco-tourism.
The public can access the new trail across from 45 Brown Chapel Road in St. Cloud. For more on Osceola County’s master trail plan, visit osceola.org.