Wellen Park Expands Trail Network with Opening of Three New Nature Trails

VENICE, Fla. (May 26, 2026) – Wellen Park, one of the nation’s best-selling communities, celebrates the completion of three new nature trails in honor of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6. The grand opening event will feature guided native flora and fauna walks and a bike ride along the new Oakheart Trail and a raffle to win a beach cruiser bicycle.  

“Our newest trails reflect Wellen Park’s continued investment in connectivity, wellness and preservation of the natural environment,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “They create new ways for residents to move throughout the community, spend time outdoors and experience Florida’s natural beauty as part of everyday life.” 

The new Oakheart, Buttonwood and The Greenway trails collectively span more than 6 miles of pristine landscapes for walking, jogging and cycling. Featuring seasonal blooms, shaded canopies, tranquil waterways and fishing opportunities, the trails immerse visitors in Florida’s natural habitat with opportunities for memorable wildlife sightings at any moment. 

An annual event hosted by the American Hiking Society, National Trails Day unites millions of outdoor enthusiasts across the U.S. to advocate for public lands, participate in trail cleanup and stewardship projects, and enjoy the physical and mental benefits of nature. 

At Wellen Park, visitors will enjoy a vibrant celebration of the great outdoors with fellow nature lovers and a welcoming community vibe. The event showcases the beauty of the 3-mile Oakheart Trail with a native plant walk led by Stocking Savvy, an environmental consulting company, from 9 to 10:15 a.m. A local wildlife walk presented by the City of North Port’s Parks and Recreation Department follows from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Wellen Park Outfitters will host a guided bike ride from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Guests can also spend the day discovering Wellen Park’s 40 miles of trails on their own. 

Spaces are limited, and advance reservations are encouraged by visiting wellenpark.com/national-trails-day. Limited walk-up reservations will be accepted onsite the day of the event Bike rentals are available by calling 941-408-5846. Those who register and attend the event are automatically entered in the beach cruiser raffle. 

Serving as a vital neighborhood connector, Oakheart Trail provides a direct link from the Brightmore, EVERLY and Lakespur neighborhoods, including direct access for students to the new Wellen Park High School opening this August. The trail head, located along Playmore Road, features restroom facilities, water fountains, shaded table seating, bicycle racks and limited parking. The trail offers frequent wildlife and bird sightings, along with access to a dedicated fishing pier. A scenic dock overlooking a mature lake creates the perfect backdrop for sunrise photos. 

Located along Manasota Beach Road East and connecting directly to the Palmera neighborhood, Buttonwood Trail winds through 2.5 miles of scenic wetlands and features boardwalks under beautiful tree-shaded canopies. Its westerly orientation promises stunning sunset views, making this less-trafficked path ideal for slower-paced walks and peaceful nature immersion. 

A short and strollable 0.75-mile path perfect for quick daily routines and dog walking, The Greenway connects adjacent neighborhoods directly to Downtown Wellen. It showcases low-maintenance Florida-friendly landscaping with a dedicated pollinator garden designed to support butterflies, bees and other essential pollinators. 

“Stepping onto Wellen Park’s trails offers an ideal opportunity to unplug from phones and computers, unlocking significant mental and physical benefits,” said Severance. “Access to nature is essential to wellbeing, and Wellen Park makes it effortless by placing these amenities right outside residents’ front doors.” 

Trails consistently rank among the most sought-after amenities for today’s homebuyers and are often among the most actively used community features. Beyond recreation, the trails strengthen neighborhood connectivity, encourage outdoor activity and help preserve natural habitats and wildlife corridors throughout the community.  

 

About Wellen Park   

With a focus on wellness, community connections and a vibrant lifestyle, Wellen Park offers an array of homes and neighborhoods built by leading national and regional builders. Ranked the No. 8 best-selling community in the nation for 2025 by prominent national real estate consultants RCLCO and John Burns, Wellen Park is planned for more than 50,000 residents and 22,500 homes at full buildout. The community is currently home to 10,000 residents who enjoy on-site recreational and fitness opportunities, amenities, events, Downtown Wellen and proximity to the area’s top-rated Gulf of Mexico beaches. 

Wellen Park continues to expand residential and lifestyle choices with new gated neighborhoods featuring private amenities, low-maintenance villas, coach homes and condominiums, plus custom, semi-custom and single-family homes, including the community’s first enclave for active adults 55 and over.  

Traditional apartment and single-family home rentals are also available as is world-class independent, assisted living and memory care. 

For more information about Wellen Park, call 941-960-7805, go to www.wellenpark.com or visit the Welcome Center, open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 12275 Mercado Drive in Venice, Fla. 

 

Contact:  

Jennifer Hamilton, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, 239-275-5758, 

[email protected]