JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Springfield and Eastside residents are actively shaping the future of Jacksonville’s Emerald Trail project, weighing in on plans for its final segment during a community meeting at the Union Terminal Warehouse.
Segment 8, the last piece of the 30-mile urban trail network, will connect the historic Springfield and Eastside neighborhoods. The project aims to link 14 historic communities to downtown Jacksonville, Hogans Creek, McCoys Creek and the St. Johns River by 2031.
“Communities are what it’s all about,” Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, said. “They are key partners in getting this project done and getting it done in a way that will make them proud. That will enhance their neighborhood and their quality of life.”
Residents examined detailed street-level plans and raised questions about safety measures, route alternatives, and funding sources.
One prominent suggestion from community members involved potentially rerouting the trail along A. Philip Randolph Boulevard is better connect with local businesses.
The project in segment 8 faces several technical challenges, including multiple railroad crossings that require either special permissions or alternative routing solutions. Groundwork Jacksonville is actively seeking community input on these obstacles.
“Input on the trail alignment and for some reason if we can’t do something what they think we should do instead,” Ehas explained ahead of the meeting.
While Segment 8 remains in the planning phase, the project is gaining momentum elsewhere. Construction on Segment 2 is scheduled to begin this summer, with several other segments already in design and bid phases. The LaVilla Link, the first segment of the Emerald Trail, opened in May 2024.
The completed Emerald Trail will connect to 16 schools, three colleges, three hospitals, and 21 parks, with an additional 13 schools and 17 parks within three blocks of the trail.
Groundwork Jacksonville said it will schedule a community-wide meeting for July 19, where residents from all neighborhoods can receive updates and provide additional feedback on the project’s progress.
For more information about the Emerald Trail project and upcoming community meetings, visit groundworkjacksonville.org.
