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Residents from North Riverside to Durkeeville came together on Saturday to see how their input is influencing the upcoming stage of Jacksonville’s Emerald Trail initiative.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Community members from North Riverside to Durkeeville gathered to understand how their feedback is directing the next phase of the Emerald Trail project in Jacksonville. Groundwork Jacksonville, in collaboration with city officials, organized a gathering to unveil updated trail routes and to discuss aspects such as funding, project timelines, and future plans.
According to Groundwork Jacksonville, these updates are a direct reflection of the feedback gathered from community meetings held earlier this year.
“We are presenting what I would describe as the final draft of the trail routes for segments six, seven, and eight,” stated Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville.
Ehas also revealed that segments three and four are progressing, with funding support from local gas tax revenues.
However, segments six, seven and eight are still awaiting funding.
“The last major infrastructure project that was done in the urban core was I-95, which cut off neighborhoods and destroyed some neighborhoods. So we feel like it’s the first major infrastructure project that’s going into the urban core that will add just a lot of value,” Ehas said.
Segment three is currently out for bid for design, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
Longtime resident says neighborhood issues must be addressed first
Not everyone at the meeting felt the project should take top priority.
Karen Richardson has lived in Durkeeville for more than 20 years. She says basic infrastructure problems in the neighborhood still haven’t been addressed.
“I’m worried about the infrastructure, that is the main thing, because things haven’t been done in over 40–50 years. The drain situation that occurs still exists.” Richardson said.
The Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for the trail is expected to be completed next month. Groundwork Jacksonville says it wants residents to feel ownership of the project — and to use this final window to submit feedback.
“We want them to feel like it is theirs, because it is especially the folks that are living in the neighborhood that are going through so we want them to go. We love it. We’re using it,” Ehas said.
Residents who couldn’t attend Saturday’s meeting can still review materials and submit comments on Groundwork Jacksonville’s website.
