The Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to dedicate a new bike repair station on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 2 p.m. The ceremony will take place at the Suncoast (Pasco) Trailhead which is located at the northwest corner of State Road 54 and the Suncoast Parkway at 16175 State Road 54 Odessa, Florida.

In an effort to support the trail and local bicyclists, the Pasco law firm of Mr. Russell G. Marlowe, PA has generously donated a bike repair station to be installed at the Suncoast (Pasco) Trailhead. The bike repair station will allow patrons to conduct bicycle repairs trailside.

“I would like to thank Mr. Marlowe and his organization for their kind donation,” said Kelley Boree, Director of Pasco Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department. “The Suncoast Trail provides a multitude of opportunities for citizens and visitors of Pasco County. This donation is the start of what it can be with multiple partners moving forward with a common vision. I hope more organizations will answer the challenge to making the vision a reality!”

The station features tools that are securely attached by retractable braided stainless steel cables and include phillips & standard screwdrivers, tire levers, a hand bike pump and several wrenches. The work station can also service two bicycles at the same time and it includes a QR code which provides links to online help.

This type of equipment typically costs approximately $1,600 and with the donation provided by Mr. Russell G. Marlowe, bikers can make repairs on the trail without having to leave the trail.

The bike repair station is located at the trailhead adjacent to the parking lot on State Road 54. For more information on the Bike repair station please visit http://www.bikefixtation.com/products/deluxe-public-work-stand

On behalf of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, and the Suncoast Trail, Mr. Marlowe is requesting a call to action to all local businesses for similar donations to support and improve the local trail system. For donation information please contact the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department through Pasco County Customer Service at 727.847-2411.

The Suncoast Multi-Use trail begins in northern Hillsborough County and continues through Pasco and Hernando counties. The trail traverses suburban, agricultural, and natural areas. In total, the trail consists of 42 miles of shared-use path that is owned by Florida Department of Transportation and is operated and maintained by Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando counties.

The Suncoast Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide Greenways and Trails System. This non-motorized paved trail was developed as part of the Suncoast Parkway and opened in 2001. Serving as a key regional connecter to other trail systems in the region, the trail boasts an estimated 22,000 bicyclists per year. Click on this link for more information on the trails: http://www.traillink.com

Pasco County maintains approximately 22 miles of the trail. For more information about the Suncoast Multi-Use Trail please visit http://www.pascocountyfl.net/index.aspx?nid=673