Major landscaping for 5th Street Boca Grande gateway

BY THE GASPARILLA ISLAND CONSSERVATION & IMPROVEMENT ASSOC.

The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association has announced the initiation of two significant bike path improvement projects in a Wednesday, June 26 press release. This summer, GICIA will repair the steep edges of the paved path and relandscape the bike path between 5th and 7th Streets.

These projects, a part of the GICIA board of directors’ annual summer maintenance and improvement plans, are crucial for the upkeep and enhancement of the five miles of bike path.

Hurricane Ian destroyed more than 400 trees along the GICIA bike path. Last summer, an extensive replanting of the path beginning at 7th Street and going to the path’s northern terminus was completed. The highly visible area between 5th and 7th streets was occupied by temporary cell service equipment and was unable to be restored until the equipment was removed.

This area of the bike path, dedicated to Mary Sharp’s memory, is undergoing a major relandscaping this week. The design will adhere to the 2008 Bike Path Master Landscape Plan, which includes a selection of native trees, shrubs and grasses. The tree selection includes large, mature trees that will make an immediate and significant impact upon planting.

This project will enhance the appearance path at the entrance to downtown while providing consistency along the entire length of GICIA’s bike path. Native, drought and salt-tolerant landscaping along the bike path minimizes the use of chemicals and fertilizers and the need for irrigation, contributing to our commitment to environmental sustainability. The GICIA is working with Mariah Bakke of Viva Landscapes and John Gargano and Alexander Hutchinson of Rise Architectural Design Group on the project.

Focusing on safety, the second project, which will begin later this summer, will consist of adding compost and sod to areas that have been washed out, creating a steep edge. Completing this project will be pleasing to the eye and create a more enjoyable experience for path users.

Reminder: The GICIA asks all users to be courteous when on the path. Please slow down in crowded areas, or when passing a slower user, warn when passing to the left and move to the right when someone needs to pass. Take a moment to imagine Boca Grande today if there was no GICIA. If you are interested in becoming a member of the GICIA, please contact the Office at 941-964-2667.