Roy Walters was a visionary advocate for cycling and preservation, whose unwavering dedication and innovative spirit have left an enduring legacy. His tireless efforts have transformed our region, inspiring groundbreaking improvements to our historic landmarks and trails that we all enjoy today.

Roy’s work with the River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization made a significant contribution to multiuse trails including the Coast to Coast and St Johns River-to-Sea Loop. Neither Thornby Park nor the Enterprise Museum would exist without the Walters’ long battles to create them and long years of work restoring and improving them. 

In 2001 Roy and his wife Sandy moved to Stone Island, near the tiny historic town of Enterprise. Enterprise was a 19th-century resort, home of the famous Brock House grand hotel, a steamboat destination for the rich and famous including a president. Enterprise was the seat of Volusia County during the Steamboat Era from 1854 until 1887.

The Walters’ love for cycling and commitment to preserving the past led them to become active community leaders. When the historic 1936 Enterprise Elementary School faced the threat of demolition, the Walters stepped up, donating funds to purchase and relocate the building and spearheading its restoration into the Enterprise Museum that many of you experienced today. Roy’s countless hours of labor, from stripping and sanding to varnishing, were instrumental in bringing the museum to life.

The Walters’ passion for preservation extended beyond the museum. They played a crucial role in saving the Thornby property from development, ensuring its transformation into a beautiful park with an inclusive playground, walking trails, and donating a stunning stone pavilion. Both the Enterprise Museum and Thornby Park now serve as trailheads for the Spring to Spring section of the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop and the Florida Coast to Coast Trail.  Neither the Enterprise Museum or Thornby Park would exist today without the Walters contributions.

Roy died: March 30, 2023 at their second home, a ski lodge in Driggs, Idaho. But his legacy lives on through his wife Sandy who continues to support the River2Sea Loop Alliance. Let us honor Roy’s memory by celebrating his achievements and embracing his passion for trails and preservation with a dedicated comemorative bench.

On December 7, 2024 a special “Thankful for Trail Champions Ride/Walk Event” was held as a Tribute to Roy Walters. At stops along the events and afterward at the celebration ceremony, everyone learned about the interesting history of Roy Walters and his enduring legacy of trails, Thornby Park and the Enterprise Museum. Everyone enjoyed learning the not-so-distant history of this beautiful area.  The ceremony was followed by an ice cream social.