Jogging down the shared use path along Periwinkle Way, I stopped near the Sanibel Community Playground to do a few exercises in the field. Right there in front of the Community House I noticed one of the new interpretive panels that the City of Sanibel just recently installed.
As I paused to read the content, another couple had stopped to see what I was doing. “It’s a part of the new and improved Sanibel Heritage Trail,” I explained to the nice people from Wisconsin who were making the most of their Sanibel vacation.
They had just been to the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village the day before, and were rattling off more Sanibel facts and knowledge than I had ever heard… and that’s saying a lot, since, after all, I work with Jim and Susan, who have shared a wealth of Sanibel history with me over the years.
As I continued along my run, I spotted three more of the 22 new interpretive panels that replaced the old worn-out signs along the shared use path. I admit that I’m not a huge history buff, but the face-lift on these displays is attractive and inviting! Or, maybe I’m just easily distracted while running…
Any way, the new panels cover a number of topics that expand upon the information presented at the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village.
Sanibel Heritage Trail Topics Include:
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Causeway
- Commerce
- Community
- Conservation
- Education
- Environment
- Fishing
- Governance
- Hospitality
- Navigation
- Pioneers
- Preservation
- Racial Integration
- Recreation
- Wildlife
- Worship
While some of the markers are in the same place as the old panels, there are a few new locations spread throughout the island. The map below outlines where the panels are placed, which the Sanibel Planning Department explained are in no particular order.
I plan to try new running routes that will take me past the different panels. After all, exploring the Sanibel Heritage Trail is a great reason to stop and catch my breath.
I hope you get the chance to learn more about Sanibel’s unique history as you stroll about the island too. I hear that the City is still working to improve the panels with a smartphone app and digital map guide. Stay tuned!
