The first phase of the Emerald Trail opened May 6 with a ribbon-cutting for the LaVilla Link.
A crowd that included elected officials, trail advocates, bicyclists and health professionals gathered at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, a former railroad terminal, to celebrate the completion of the 1.3-mile portion of what is planned as a 33.8-mile system of trails and parks through central Duval County.
The LaVilla Link, also known as the Model Mile, connects Brooklyn to LaVilla and the S-Line Rail Link, which starts along Myrtle Avenue.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan called the link a “shining jewel” for the community and said it said offers a peek at what is to come as portions of the Emerald Trail come online.
“Picture a stunning greenbelt that features native plants, living shorelines and rain gardens, not to mention public art installations that celebrate each neighborhood’s rich history and culture,” she said. “With one fell swoop the completed Emerald Trail will spur economic activity. It will beautify our city. It will give people an easy way to get outdoors and exercise, foster new connections and help to reduce carbon stormwater runoff and heat island effects.”
Deegan, a distance runner, added that she couldn’t wait to go for a run on the newly opened trail segment.
LaVilla Link features include a 14-foot-wide concrete pedestrian/bicycle path, shaded porch swings, an observation deck overlooking Lee Street, native plantings and sections with surfaces painted with geometric patterns in emerald and lime green. The LaVilla Link is being built through a public/private partnership between the city and nonprofit Groundwork Jacksonville, which lists the cost at $8.9 million.
During the ribbon-cutting, dozens of people stood on the Park Street bridge portion while Deegan, U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, R-Florida, City Council President Ron Salem, Groundwork CEO Kay Ehas and Michael Mayo, president and CEO of Baptist Health, cut the ribbon. Baptist Health provided a “strategic investment” in an undisclosed amount for the LaVilla Link in 2023.
Others at the event included State Rep. Wyman Duggan, R-Jacksonville and Council members Joe Carlucci, Nick Howland, Rahman Johnson, Chris Miller, Jimmy Peluso and Ju’Coby Pittman.
The LaVilla Link was under construction for nearly three years.
Groundwork says the completed Emerald Trail will link 16 schools, 21 parks, two colleges and three hospitals, along with restaurants, retail establishments and other businesses.
“The Emerald Trail LaVilla Link is more than just a pathway,” Salem said. “It symbolizes connectivity and progress. As we cut this ribbon, we’re not only opening a physical route, but we’re also forging new connections between neighborhoods, cultures and the counties in Northeast Florida.”
The ribbon-cutting came about six weeks after a similar event celebrating the awarding of $147 million in federal funding to Jacksonville for the Emerald Trail.
The Emerald Trail launched in 2021 with $132 million in funding through a City Council-approved extension of the local-option gas tax.
“The Emerald Trail represents the power of collaboration,” Salem said. “It’s a result of hundreds of hours of incredible work and planning, cooperation and partnerships across multiple city agencies, departments and community organizations, the business community and most of all passionate people. Together we have turned a dream into a reality.”