TEAM Punta Gorda’s Maritime Development Committee embraced the rich history of our harbor in developing a Waterfront Master Plan for the city. Many groups and citizens had input into this plan. It’s a concept that includes potential uses for the waterfront that citizens and visitors will enjoy.

The plan involves elements that fundamentally transform the waterfront and link it more fully with the downtown retail district. The backbone of this plan is a promenade, a 20 to 30 foot-wide path where possible, that will accommodate a variety of uses. Walkers, bicyclists, families, school groups, gatherings, art fairs, festivals, community events, and even convention meetings can take advantage of what the promenade will have to offer. Imagine the promenade being connected to the linear parks, just being started, that will eventually extend throughout the city with bicycle and walking paths that also extend to other communities. Over time, the addition of new venues and amenities will further enhance the waterfront experience.

The City Council has included elements of the harbor walk in the projects to be funded by the recently-approved Infrastructure Sales Surtax. The first step is to develop a detailed plan for the promenade that will become the basis for a consistent “look and feel” that is uniquely Punta Gorda. We are ready to help our city bring this vision to reality. The Committee is now working with the city to identify additional ways that it can help advance the design and development of the Punta Gorda harbor walk. Join us! Citizens make the difference!

TEAM’s Waterfront Master Plan presentation and Waterfront Master Plan complete text are both available on this website.  The latest Maritime Development Committee Status Report is also available.