They may be located along canals, rivers, old railroad tracks, next to streams, highways, or shorelines, but what defines a linear park is that they are strips of public land that are significantly longer than they are wide. The parks are edge spaces in areas that were often once considered to be wasted spaces. Instead, city planners have found that these spaces could be transformed into parks. Linear parks add greenery, act as wildlife corridors, offer a place to exercise and relax, and sometimes connect neighborhoods. 

John Yarborough Linear Park is on-leash/dog-friendly park. Image courtesy of Lee County Government

Fort Myers’ John Yarbrough Linear Park Trail is a six-mile multiple use north/south linear park that is located between Colonial Boulevard and Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers, along the ten-mile canal.  On September 9, 2008, Lee County Commissioners, renamed the park from Ten Mile Linear Park to John Yarbrough Linear Park in honor of longtime retiring Lee County Parks & Recreation Director John Yarbrough. 

“The Park is a popular spot for walking, hiking, jogging, rollerblading, bicycling, fishing, birding, picnicking, and enjoying wildlife viewing” says Rick Bauer, Supervisor. The southernmost section is well-shaded, making it perfect to enjoy any time of the day or any time of the year. The Park is on-leash/dog friendly. 

“A new trailhead at the southern end of John Yarborough Park near Ben C. Pratt/Six Mile Cypress Parkway opened in January 2022, and amenities include paved parking and ADA-compliant parking, restrooms, picnic pavilions, and bike repair stations," explains Bauer. 

John Yarborough Linear Park is a six-mile park that is perfect to hike, jog, rollerblade, or bike on Image courtesy of Lee County Government

The Park can be accessed by sidewalk or paths at Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Daniels Parkway, Danley Drive, Crystal Drive, and Colonial Boulevard. A map of the Park can be viewed here on the Lee County Parks Department's Website. 

If you go: John Yarbrough Linear Park is located at 14608 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers. For more information, contact Lee County Government, 239-533-2111, Leegov.com. Other nearby linear parks include the approximately four-mile-long Del Prado Linear Park, an excellent place for jogging, rollerblading, biking, walking, dog walking, and it is lighted for evening use. The Park also offers a basketball court, a playground, and eight fitness stations for strength and conditioning. Del Prado Linear Park is located on Del Prado (between Pine Island Rd & Kismet Pkwy) in Cape Coral. For more information, contact Cape Coral Parks & Recreation 239-573-3128 at capecoral.gov.

Ann Marie O’Phelan is a SW Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.