Nearly 13 Miles of New Sidewalks Planned Near Pasco Schools

WESLEY CHAPEL / PASCO COUNTY, FL — Getting around Wesley Chapel without a car can be challenging in areas where sidewalks don't connect. Pasco County is working to address some of those gaps with nearly 13 miles of new sidewalks planned near schools across the county.

A School-Year Sidewalk Project

Pasco County plans to add approximately 12.79 miles of sidewalks during the current school year, with projects located near 19 schools.

The work is part of the county's Safe Routes to School efforts, which focus on improving pedestrian connections around schools and making it easier for students to walk or bike.

Some of the projects are located in the Wesley Chapel area, where continued residential growth has added more families and students to already busy school corridors.

Connecting Important Wesley Chapel Routes

One area receiving attention includes routes around Curley Road and Wells Road.

The improvements are intended to create better pedestrian connections between schools and surrounding neighborhoods, including areas serving Wesley Chapel High School, Wesley Chapel Elementary School and Thomas E. Weightman Middle School.

For families living nearby, connected sidewalks can make a difference between having a practical walking route and having to drive even a short distance.

It's Not Just About Getting to School

Although the projects are centered around school access, sidewalks can serve a wider purpose for the surrounding community.

Connected pedestrian routes can also give residents more opportunities to walk, exercise and travel between nearby neighborhoods and destinations without getting into a vehicle.

Pasco County has secured more than $22 million in federal, state and Penny for Pasco funding for safe-routes projects since 2022.

Why It Matters for Wesley Chapel

Wesley Chapel continues to grow, and pedestrian infrastructure has to grow along with it. Filling sidewalk gaps around schools can make nearby routes more connected for students while also giving surrounding neighborhoods additional ways to get around.

📍 Wesley Chapel and surrounding Pasco County communities

🚶 Nearly 12.79 miles of sidewalks planned🏫 Projects located near 19 schools

📅 Work continuing through the school year