 New bike and pedestrian paths and enhanced beach access points are part of a million-dollar neighborhood improvement plan leading to benefits for both locals and visitors of Perdido Key.
A recently completed mile-long bike and pedestrian path stretches from the intersection of Perdido Key Drive and Johnson Beach Road to the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Plans are in the works for an additional four-mile bike and pedestrian path along Old River Road wrapping around to the Perdido Key Oyster Bar overlooking Big Lagoon. The new trail increases safety for cyclists, joggers, skaters, and walkers by redirecting them out of the commercial core of the island. With just eight and a half miles of paved road, cyclists may soon have equal if not better access to the island.
By summer’s end, a day at the beach will be a little more convenient with the completion of a beach access point enhancement near the intersection of Old River Road and Perdido Key Drive, by The Spinnaker condominium complex. This is the first of three planned beach access point enhancements to include restrooms, shower facilities, and a boardwalk path leading to the beach.
In addition, construction of about a dozen new developments should be complete by late fall adding another 600 condominiums. While this increases lodging availability for year-round enjoyment, 60 percent of the island remains as undeveloped park land. Perdido Key’s natural beauty and luxurious condominiums attract about 400,000 visitors each year and with the addition of these new, upscale condos, the number of visitors should top the half million mark by 2005.
For more information, call the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce at (800) 328-0107 or visit www.perdidochamber.com.
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