First Segment of Jacksonville, Fla., Emerald Trail Opens

The first section of Jacksonville’s Emerald Trail opened earlier this month, connecting the Brooklyn neighborhood to the S-Line rail trail through the historic LaVilla neighborhood, reports local news outlet 104.5 WOKV. 

When complete, the 33.8, $184 million project will connect 14 neighborhoods, linking 16 schools, two colleges, and 21 parks, among other destinations like restaurants, retail and businesses; an additional 13 schools and 17 parks located within three blocks, according to the city’s nonprofit partner Groundwork Jacksonville. Funding for the project includes a $147 million U.S. Department of Transportation neighborhood access and equity grant and $37 million of local match funds from the city, generated through a local gas tax increase in 2021.

According to the project’s master plan, Jacksonville leaders chose to pursue the project in part to make the city more attractive for new employers and the young, educated employees they seek to hire. The Emerald Trail is expected to be completed by 2030.