The Trailside Benches are installed
Secial thanks to Tom Williams for the photos, and to Emery Jeffreys for overseeing the installation.
Picures 1-2 are on the Loop at Garfields Road. Pictures 3-5 on the Loop between Blue Spring State Park and Lake Beresford Park.
Who doesn’t love a
trailside bench?
Commemorative benches along trails offer more than just a place to rest weary legs and butts; they create opportunities for learning about things that matter and for quiet contemplation and meaningful connection.
Thoughtfully placed amenities invite trail users to pause, breathe, and reflect— not only on the journey they are taking but also on their lives, their dreams, and their goals, and on the importance of conservation and the values trails bring.
As individuals take a break, they might recall cherished memories of the past, envision aspirations for the future, or simply appreciate the beauty of a special place. In doing so, these benches transform a simple walk or bike ride into a richer, more introspective experience, fostering a deeper bond between people, nature, and the enduring legacies they honor.
Our Trailside Commemorative Bench project is kicking off this fall. Benches will celebrate the environment, the value trails bring, and past trail champions and visionaries as well as current and future people, organizations, places and events. Maybe you have a story to tell or a special trail, place, person or organization you want to recognize. Let’s work together to make commemorative benches special points of interest around the Loop.
After months of analysis and consensus building, we have arrived at a bench that we believe meets everyones’ requirements. We still have a few hoops to go through but we’re making progress.
The first benches will be placed trailside in Volusia County beginning with benches honoring trail values, conservation lands, visionary Herb Hiller and trail champion Roy Walters.
Trail Values
This bench celebrates the values trails bring – to people, communities and the planet.
Health, Fitness, Wellness
Active, Equitable Transportation for all ages, abilities, colors and economic conditions
Sustainable Environment
Low-impact, high-value Tourism
Trail-Oriented Economic Benefits
Improved safety
Conservation Lands
This bench celebrates new opportunities for ecologically sensitive trails through conservation areas. Volusia County is leading prototyping and adoption of a surface that meets the requirements for an environmentally friendly permeable firm surface that can be used in previously disturbed lands, such as abandoned roads and railroads and be compatible with conservation areas. This will enable persistent trail gaps to be connected and will enable access to conservation areas thus increasing public support for trails.
A place for Herb
Herb Hiller was one of the first to envision the entire St Johns River to Sea Loop. He was a well-known advocate of ecotourism, trails and bicycling. His writing and advocacy helped launch the Florida bicycling and agritourism movements. He served as Southeast Region Program Consultant for the East Coast Greenway Alliance and consulted with various preservation and tourism companies. Read more about Herb’s life and legacy here.
Roy Walters Living Legacy
Roy Walters was an active 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. Thornby Park and the Enterprise Museum are some of the Walters’ contributions to West Volusia. 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. Read more about the living legacy of Roy Walters here.