On February 26, 2026, the community gathered in Naples to celebrate the Ribbon-Cutting Grand Opening of a remarkable new 17-acre boardwalk connecting Sugden Regional Park to Bayshore Drive. This transformative addition enhances accessibility, recreation, and connectivity in the heart of the community.
Sugden Regional Park is already cherished for its scenic two-mile nature trail winding around Lake Avalon, offering residents and visitors a peaceful setting for walking, jogging, and enjoying Southwest Florida’s natural beauty. The new boardwalk expands these opportunities, creating a more immersive outdoor experience and physically linking key destinations within the area.
Conveniently located nearby is East Naples Community Park, home to the world-renowned U.S. Open Pickleball Championships courts — a nationally recognized destination for athletes and enthusiasts alike.
Today’s ribbon-cutting was the most attended in Collier County history, drawing members of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), the Beautification Committee, local Collier County commissioners, representatives from the Naples Botanical Garden, neighbors from Windstar on Naples Bay, community residents, and local business leaders.
This project has been more than 20 years in the making — a vision diligently pursued by committed community members. Notably, this site was originally planned as the location for the Naples Botanical Garden. Over seven acres of dense vegetation were carefully removed — vegetation that once blocked visibility of the park that had long existed just beyond view.
The completed project features:
- 1,500 feet of elevated walkway
- 12-foot-wide pathways
- Underlit handrails for safety and ambiance
- Reused and repurposed site elements
- More than 300 species of plants, many native to Florida
- Over 1,000 new plantings that will continue to mature and enhance the landscape over time
From groundbreaking just one year ago to today’s completion, this project marks a major milestone for the Bayshore Arts District. It represents not only improved walkability and recreation but also a lasting investment in the natural beauty, connectivity, and quality of life that make Naples such a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
This boardwalk will be enjoyed for generations to come — truly changing the face of the Bayshore/Arts District.
