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Park along Edgewater an oasis in Dunedin

By MIRIAM HILL
Published November 27, 2005

My feet have walked on the Great Wall of China, jogged along the Ala Wai Canal in Honolulu and biked on the dikes in Holland. Recently, they strolled through vineyards in the Alsace region of central France.

Now that my feet have returned to Pinellas County, they take me on early-morning walks in the newly completed linear park along Edgewater Drive in Dunedin. The scenery rivals other exotic parts of the world.

The park is dominated by a wide sidewalk that curves through a picturesque strip of manicured landscaping bordering the Intracoastal Waterway. It offers a breathtaking panorama of the waterfront where north Clearwater connects with south Dunedin.

For months, the area was a construction site. Now, the finished project is spectacular and user-friendly. Stately palms, pines and oaks provide shade. Towering poles, topped with platforms, invite ospreys to move in, and one messy nest is visible. Green benches at the water's edge encourage people to linger at sunset. A water fountain is available to quench the thirst. Trash receptacles and dispensers with plastic bags for pet waste encourage visitors to keep the area clean. While this area is in Dunedin, Clearwater gets credit for earlier upgrading its portion of the waterfront along Edgewater Drive. The linear park is a total package, courtesy of both cities.

Now, the setting is serene. The early-morning sun peeks above rooftops to the east. It paints condo windows on Island Estates a brilliant orange and tints fluffy clouds the color of peaches. Mullet boil in the placid waters as white egrets and blue herons walk silently in the shallows. Busy pelicans dive for breakfast.

A slow line of commuters drives to work, but the noise is unobtrusive. My ears choose the sounds of sea gulls squawking and waves lapping. Some drivers glance at me with expressions that convey they would rather be taking an early-morning stroll.

I share the sidewalk with an occasional walker or jogger. These strangers would ignore me in the aisle at Publix, but here they make eye contact, greet me with smiles and wish me good morning. We enjoy the temporary "ownership" of this stretch of prime waterfront.

As I continue to walk and marvel at the scenery, I ponder on the frequent articles in the St. Petersburg Times detailing the latest gut-grabbing proposals from persistent developers. I join the citizens who feel nervous as big business seeks to affect our views of the water and the sky.

To the officials who had the wisdom and authority to improve Edgewater Drive for the enjoyment of the public, I offer my appreciation and congratulations. This is a step in the right direction.

[Last modified November 27, 2005, 01:18:21]