Community Engagement in Jacksonville’s Emerald Trail Development

News Summary

Project leaders of the 30-mile Emerald Trail are soliciting community feedback as they finalize Segment 7. The trail, spearheaded by Groundwork Jacksonville, aims to connect urban neighborhoods and enhance accessibility without requiring car travel. Local residents voiced concerns over the trail’s impact on residential integrity and expressed the necessity for better communication on the project’s progress. Funding for the Emerald Trail will be sourced from federal grants and local gas tax revenue, with construction set to begin in 2027. The Emerald Trail aims to revitalize Jacksonville by improving community connectivity.

Jacksonville – Project leaders developing the 30-mile Emerald Trail are actively seeking community input as they approach the final stages of Segment 7. On May 19, 2025, community members from the Durkeeville and New Town neighborhoods gathered at the Beaver Street Enterprise Center to provide their feedback on the trail’s design and functionality.

The initiative, spearheaded by Groundwork Jacksonville, aims to create an extensive transportation network that connects urban neighborhoods. By allowing residents to navigate without the need for a car, the Emerald Trail is designed to bridge the gaps created by major highways and roads that have historically segregated communities.

Kay Ehas, the CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, highlighted the significance of community input in shaping the Emerald Trail. The organization regards residents as key partners in the development process, placing their opinions above even those of the city government. The feedback collected during these sessions will inform the design and implementation of the final segments of the trail, which will link ten urban neighborhoods with essential services, parks, schools, and businesses.

Concerns were raised during the meeting, particularly by Cheron Corbett Waller, the CEO of the Jacksonville Housing Authority. Waller expressed apprehension about preserving community integrity and ensuring that the trail does not encroach upon residential properties. Additionally, resident Karen Richardson emphasized the need for better communication regarding project updates as the development moves forward.

Questions also emerged about involving local small businesses in the trail’s development. Ehas noted that there are initiatives in place to engage small business owners, ensuring they are included in discussions about the project’s implementation. This involvement is crucial as community members consider the economic implications of the Emerald Trail.

Funding for the trail is expected to come from a combination of a federal grant and local gas tax revenue. Groundwork Jacksonville has collaborated with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority to further engage small business owners and ensure their needs and concerns are addressed throughout the development process.

While most feedback at the event has been largely positive, the community’s response to Segment 7 has shown less consensus in comparison to previous segments. As feedback is incorporated into the design plans, officials anticipate that the development will harmonize with the community’s needs and aspirations.

Design work for the remaining segments of the Emerald Trail, which include segments 4, 6, 7, and 8, is scheduled to commence in late 2025. Construction is projected to begin in 2027, with a comprehensive completion date set for 2031. The Emerald Trail is not just a path for walking and cycling; it serves as a means to enhance the overall fabric of Jacksonville’s historic areas through increased connectivity and access.

The Emerald Trail represents more than just a recreational path; it is a significant urban infrastructure project aimed at revitalizing Jacksonville’s communities and improving residents’ quality of life. By fostering engagement and actively seeking community input, the project strives to create a sustainable, accessible, and inclusive environment for all Jacksonville residents.

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Additional Resources

• News4Jax: Emerald Trail Developer CEO Says Communities Are Key Partners
• Jacksonville.com: LaVilla History Showcased in Emerald Trail Mural
• First Coast News: Springfield Residents React to Proposed Emerald Trail Routes
• Google Search: Emerald Trail
• Action News Jax: Local Leaders Fighting to Protect $147 Million Federal Grant for Emerald Trail
• Wikipedia: Urban Trail