![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/05Walking-Trail_Trei-Johnson_11202025-e1763398424236.jpg\")
Gulfport volunteers and residents joined Mayor Karen Love on the new Discover Gulfport Walking Trail for the Mayor\u2019s inaugural Community Walk Nov. 15.Photo by Trei Johnson<\/p>\n
Gulfport volunteers and residents joined Mayor Karen Love on the new Discover Gulfport Walking Trail for the Mayor\u2019s inaugural Community Walk Nov. 15.
Photo by Trei Johnson<\/p>\n
Lace up those walking sneakers and get those steps in on the Discover Gulfport Walking Trail.<\/p>\n
The City of Gulfport launched a new walking trail during the Mayor\u2019s inaugural Community Walk on Nov. 15.<\/p>\n
Around 100 residents gathered at the Catherine Hickman Theater for a guided walk led by Mayor Karen Love. The walk highlighted four connected loops that guide residents through parks, neighborhoods, and historic sites.<\/p>\n
Discover Gulfport Walking Trail![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/03Walking-Trail_Trei-Johnson_11202025-e1763402295436.jpg\")
Ward IV Council member Nancy Earley (right) walked with community members in the streets of Gulfport while learning its history and discovering hidden gems.
Photo by Trei Johnson<\/p>\n
The interconnected series of four loops, pedestrian paths and crosswalks wind through residential neighborhoods, parks, and historic sites. Discover Gulfport Walking Trail was designed to offer people an immersive and safe way to see everything Gulfport has to offer.<\/p>\n
First Discovery Loop<\/p>\n
The 1.3-mile First Discovery Loop highlights Clymer Park and the Art Walk & Food Forest. It also features the Hickman Theater, the Gulfport Public Library, and the Gulfport History Museum. These stops introduce walkers to Gulfport\u2019s cultural and historic identity.<\/p>\n
Extended Discovery Path<\/p>\n
The 3.3-mile Discovery Path expands on the first loop and includes several major parks. Walkers pass Wood Ibis Park, Tomlinson Park, and the Tangerine Greenway. The route also reaches Veterans Park and the Gulfport Pier for waterfront views.<\/p>\n
![\"Four](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/07Walking-Trail_Trei-Johnson_11202025-e1763399312438.jpg\")
(L-R) Greg Bowling, Justin Shea, Brad Bruner, and Scott Linde on the Discover Gulfport Walking Trail.\u00a0
Photo by Trei JohnsonA Shared Vision<\/p>\n
The idea for the trail grew from the vision of Senior Advisory Committee member Brad Bruner and Cultural Facilities Events Supervisor Justin Shea.<\/p>\n
Bruner said he lived in Gulfport a full year before discovering its natural wonders.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople\u2026tend to find their paths and stick with them, if they don\u2019t know what\u2019s out there,\u201d Bruner added. \u201cGulfport has an uncommonly big proportion of sidewalks for a city, and I realized that we could put that together.\u201d<\/p>\n
He presented the idea during his first Senior Advisory Committee meeting. Along with committee members, Shea and other City employees helped guide its development.<\/p>\n
The team collaborated with Public Works Director Tom Nicholls to prepare the route. Nicholls\u2019 crew trimmed trees, checked crosswalks, and removed hazards. Their work protected walkers, cyclists, scooter users, and wheelchair users throughout the trail.<\/p>\n
Looking for more things to do in Gulfport, St. Petersburg, and the beaches? Check out The Gabber Newspaper\u2019s full calendar of events<\/a>.<\/p>\n Bruner also said Greg Bowling inspired the project. Bowling joined the walk on his scooter to support his friend.<\/p>\n \u201cGreg lives about a mile from me. We wanted to have paths that someone of all accessibility issues, or abilities could really use,\u201d Bruner said. \u201cUsing sidewalks and thinking about where the crosswalks are, selecting places where there aren\u2019t huge divots or other things was important to the whole process.\u201d<\/p>\n Bowling said the trail offered more than health benefits.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel great,\u201d Bowling said. \u201cSmiling, getting some sun, being with friends, being part of the community. I think it\u2019s community building.\u201d<\/p>\n Bruner explained that research shows outdoor activity boosts mood through natural endorphins. He described this effect clearly: \u201cYou feel lighter, you feel more energetic, you\u2019re communing with the world.\u201d<\/p>\n Shea emphasized the trail\u2019s role in addressing a deeper need: fostering wellness in a fast-paced world.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have the ability to come out into the community to explore, to take a safe path,\u201d Shea said.<\/p>\n He highlighted how it invites both locals and visitors to experience Gulfport\u2019s vibrant culture, from bungalows and the historic museum to Scout Hall and public amenities like restrooms and the library.<\/p>\n Digitally shareable, the trail serves as a \u201ctalking point\u201d for uncovering the city\u2019s offerings, positioning Gulfport as the \u201cGateway to the Gulf.\u201d<\/p>\n Future expansions aim to link to the Pinellas Trail and St. Petersburg\u2019s systems via connectors like Osgood Point and the Gulfport Spur, bridging gaps for seamless regional adventures.<\/p>\n The Discover Gulfport Walking Trail supports physical health, emotional balance, and community connection. It invites residents to explore Gulfport\u2019s culture, nature, and neighborhoods at their own pace.<\/p>\n Discover more about the Gulfport Walking Trail at mygulfport.us<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Gabber Newspaper? We Go There<\/p>\n In 1968, our founder, George Brann, started The Gabber Newspaper, then called the Gulfport Gabber, to hold Gulfport City Council<\/a> accountable. Read more of our city council coverage<\/a>, and learn about our policies on reporting, fact-checking, and funding<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/010Walking-Trail_Trei-Johnson_11202025-e1763399931257.jpg\")
Jim Wright and his son, James Jr., provided an extra layer of safety for participants during the 1.3 mile walk.
Photo by Trei JohnsonA Trail for Wellness, Discovery, and Inclusion<\/p>\n![\"One](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/08Walking-Trail_Trei-Johnson_11202025-e1763399902760.jpg\")
(L-R) Caron Schwartz, who volunteered as a crossing guard for the walk, poses with one of the Gulfport Trail spearheads Brad Bruner and participant Lily Lustig.
Photo by Trei Johnson<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/09Walking-Trail_Trei-Johnson_11202025-e1763402704751.jpg\")
Gulfport Lion\u2019s Club members took the opportunity to walk, volunteer, and recruit new members.
Photo by Trei Johnson<\/p>\n