Jacksonville, February 7, 2026
The City of Jacksonville and Groundwork Jacksonville have initiated the restoration of McCoys Creek near Hollybrook Park. This project aims to alleviate flooding, improve water quality, and enhance recreational opportunities. The restoration will include reshaping the creek, planting over 10,000 trees, and developing pedestrian pathways and kayak access points, fostering community engagement and environmental sustainability.
Jacksonville Restores McCoys Creek Near Hollybrook Park
Jacksonville, Florida – On February 5, 2026, Groundwork Jacksonville and the City of Jacksonville began the next phase of the McCoys Creek restoration project, focusing on the western headwaters near Hollybrook Park. This initiative is set to alleviate chronic flooding, enhance water quality, and provide recreational opportunities for the community.
Project Overview
The restoration involves reshaping the creek back to its natural, meandering state, expanding the floodplain, and introducing natural water containment features such as lagoons and tidal pools. Additionally, the project includes the removal of barriers, reshaping the creek, and restoring wetlands designed to slow stormwater before it reaches the main channel. Approximately 4,800 linear feet of the creek’s headwaters will be restored, along with about 15 acres of streams and wetlands, and nearly four acres of open space planned for future recreational use. Crews will clean up contaminated soil from a former ash-dumping site and plant over 10,000 trees, as well as tens of thousands of native plants. These plantings are expected to improve water quality and provide habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Furthermore, the project includes features aimed at improving access to the creek, such as a new pedestrian bridge, future kayak access, and pedestrian-friendly pathways that will eventually connect to the Emerald Trail, a growing network of trails and green spaces across Jacksonville. This phase follows the successful completion of the middle portion of McCoys Creek in 2024, which effectively addressed flooding issues and improved fish habitats. The current work is part of a larger $105.4 million investment by the city to restore McCoys Creek, mitigate flooding, and enhance neighborhood connectivity through the Emerald Trail.
Community Engagement
Community involvement has been integral to the restoration process. Groundwork Jacksonville has engaged local residents to ensure the project meets their needs, incorporating features like parks and recreational spaces into the design. The project also aims to provide safe, clean spaces for children and families to experience nature, addressing concerns about flooding and environmental degradation.
Environmental and Recreational Benefits
The restoration is expected to yield significant environmental benefits, including improved water quality, enhanced fish and wildlife habitats, and increased flood resilience. The project also aims to provide recreational opportunities, such as pedestrian pathways and kayak launches, connecting neighborhoods to major parks and community facilities.
Background
McCoys Creek, located west of downtown Jacksonville, has a history of flooding due to its altered state, characterized by straightened ditches and bulkhead canals. The restoration project seeks to return the creek to its natural state, addressing environmental degradation while also providing numerous community benefits. The broader McCoys Creek restoration effort has been in development for several years, with multiple phases planned to restore the creek and connect neighborhoods through the Emerald Trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the McCoys Creek restoration project?
The McCoys Creek restoration project is an initiative by Groundwork Jacksonville and the City of Jacksonville to restore McCoys Creek to its natural, meandering state, alleviate chronic flooding, enhance water quality, and provide recreational opportunities for the community. The current phase focuses on the western headwaters near Hollybrook Park.
What are the environmental benefits of the restoration?
The restoration is expected to improve water quality, enhance fish and wildlife habitats, and increase flood resilience. The project includes planting over 10,000 trees and tens of thousands of native plants to support local ecosystems.
How will the community benefit from the project?
The community will benefit from improved flood mitigation, enhanced recreational spaces, and better connectivity through the Emerald Trail. Features include pedestrian pathways, kayak launches, and parks that provide safe, clean spaces for families to experience nature.
What is the timeline for the restoration project?
The restoration project is part of a broader $105.4 million investment by the City of Jacksonville, with multiple phases planned over several years. The current phase focuses on the western headwaters near Hollybrook Park, with additional phases planned to restore the entire creek and connect neighborhoods through the Emerald Trail.
Key Features of the McCoys Creek Restoration Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Restoration of Creek | Reshaping McCoys Creek to its natural, meandering state to alleviate flooding and improve water quality. |
| Environmental Enhancements | Planting over 10,000 trees and tens of thousands of native plants to support local ecosystems. |
| Recreational Opportunities | Developing pedestrian pathways, kayak launches, and parks to provide safe, clean spaces for families and connect neighborhoods through the Emerald Trail. |
| Community Engagement | Involving local residents in the planning process to ensure the project meets community needs and addresses concerns about flooding and environmental degradation. |
| Project Timeline | Part of a broader $105.4 million investment by the City of Jacksonville, with multiple phases planned over several years to restore the entire creek and connect neighborhoods through the Emerald Trail. |
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