An image of a hiking trail (Adobe Stock / Knelson20)

The proposed Orchard Pond Greenway project is drawing mixed reactions from bicyclists and horseback riders who expressed concerns about the project during a public meeting on Monday, Nov. 9.

The project is part of the Tallahassee to Havana Trail/Orchard Pond Greenway, a proposed multiuse trail connection between Tallahassee and Havana. The Project’s goals include improving pedestrian and cyclist safety, increasing recreational opportunities and expanding and connecting regional trail networks.

“It would provide us a safe, multiuse trail to walk or ride a bicycle without cars and traffic,” said Greg Burke, planning manager for the Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency. “Ultimately, this trail will connect to others to go further west into Gadsden County.”

The project received funding through Florida’s SUN Trails program in late 2024, which requires a paved trail 10 to 12 feet wide.

Nancy Stephens, a member of North Florida Horsemen, expressed concerns about the project’s pavement requirements. Stephens said the trail has traditionally been unpaved, and she worries the addition of pavement will leave less room for horseback riders.

“So, in comes this project now, and we’re actually losing ground with this project,” Stephens said. “We like dirt, we don’t like pavement, and pavement is slippery for horses.”

Riding on pavement could also mean additional expenses for horseback riders who may need to purchase horseshoes or protective boots.

Tallahassee bicyclist Karen Bickford supports the project but has concerns about the proposed bridge crossing over the Ochlockonee River.

“It’s not a very pleasant experience when your multi-use trail is too close to traffic,,” said Bickford.

The agency presented three alternatives at a public meeting Monday, Nov. 9. The first would add a 5-foot-wide sidewalk to the existing bridge at an estimated construction cost of $750,000. The second would widen the bridge to create a 12-foot-wide path for $2.92 million. The third would build a separate bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists at an estimated cost of $4.3 million.

Bickford said she prefers the third alternative but acknowledged its potential costs and environmental impact.

“If you go for the other options, which would widen and give pedestrians and bicyclists more space, it’s prohibitively more expensive and on top of that, there’s a greater environmental impact.”