Port St. Lucie board backs $350,000 RTP grant application to restore trails at Torino Regional Park

The City of Port St. Lucie Planning and Zoning Board on Feb. 3 voted to support a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant application that would seek $350,000 in state funding and a $350,000 city match — about $700,000 total — to restore trail segments and add connections at Torino Regional Park.

Zach Sherman, executive project manager for Parks and Recreation, told the board the park design is nearly complete and that the city has received site plan approval. "We're here to talk about a trail grant opportunity," Sherman said, adding the funding would allow the city to add back loops of trail and connections to a future kayak launch and fishing pier that were value-engineered out of the first construction phase.

Sherman said the team expects to finalize construction plans soon and to seek permits so construction could begin in May, with park completion targeted for 2027. He described the restored path surface as a mix of stabilized/unpaved trail and concrete for some connections; a potential bridge large enough for a utility cart was shown in one concept and would be part of a future phase if funded.

Board members asked about materials and the bridge design; Sherman said staff anticipates a mix of surfaced and stabilized trail and that more detailed designs will be completed as part of construction documents. The chair then called for a motion to support the grant application; the motion and second were made and the board voted in favor.

The application deadline given during the meeting was March 2. With the board's endorsement, staff will finalize and submit the RTP application and, if the grant is awarded, include the matching funds in the next year's capital-improvement program.

Next steps: staff will submit the RTP application by the stated deadline and return to the board with any grant award or required modifications to the project scope.