Shingle Creek Properties Purchased for Preservation (FL)

Osceola County, FL – Osceola County, in conjunction with the City of Kissimmee, recently purchased two properties from the Trust for Public Land (TPL) along Shingle Creek. The properties will become part of the Shingle Creek Greenway, a proposed 33-mile recreational trail along the creek that extends from Orange County to Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee.

Sixteen acres were purchased by TPL for preservation and held until funding from the county and city became available. With additional funding from South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and Florida Communities Trust, a state program, the county and city were able to take ownership of the property last week. An additional five acres were purchased today by the county.

“This portion of Shingle Creek is an important and vital part of the history of Osceola County,” said Osceola County Chairman Ken Shipley. “In working together with TPL, City of Kissimmee, SFWMD and the Florida Communities Trust, we are preserving our history and protecting our natural resources.”

The two properties are located north of U.S. 192 between Shingle Creek and Yates Road and have more than 1,300 feet of frontage on the creek as well as frontage on Yates Road. Plans for the properties include trails, a scenic overlook, portage opportunities, picnic facilities, a children’s play area, pet walk areas, bicycle racks and other amenities.

“These highly-visible projects will increase awareness throughout the community of the greenway,” said Doug Hattaway, project manager for The Trust for Public Land. “TPL is proud to be able to facilitate the community’s needs by protecting this valuable resource.”

The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, historic sites, rural lands and other natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since its founding in 1972, TPL has helped protect more than two million acres of land in 46 states. In Florida, TPL has protected more than 300 sites, over 200,000 acres at a market value of approximately $500 million dollars.