JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Members of the Springfield community had the opportunity to speak directly with city planners about the Emerald Trail that is planned for their area.

The 30-mile trail will connect 14 historic neighborhoods to Downtown, Hogans Creek, McCoys Creek, and the St. Johns River.

These neighborhood walks are part of a project development and environmental study for Emerald Trail segments 4, 6, 7, and 8. 

Residents of Springfield walked along the proposed path, which would pass through alleys behind their residences. They expressed their support for the trail while also raising concerns such as funding and access to their homes.

JoAnn Tredennick and Kim Pryor have both lived in Springfield since the early 2000s.

“People are definitely excited about having the Emerald Trail in the neighborhood,” said JoAnn Tredennick, a Springfield resident.

“I envision the Emerald Trail to be a part of the continuing revitalization of Springfield,” said Kim Pryor, another Springfield resident.

The pair walked the alleyways of Springfield with their neighbors as city planners showed them the path of the proposed Emerald Trail routes.

Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, the nonprofit leading the project, guided the group during Wednesday’s walk.

“We view the neighborhoods as our most crucial partner because this trail is intended for them. It’s passing through their communities, and we have them involved throughout the planning and design stages of all our projects,” stated Ehas.

With the trail running through the alley behind residents’ homes, one big concern is accessibility to their backyards.

“One of the concerns that residents had was whether they’d have vehicular access to the rear of their homes from the alley,” said Pryor.

Another concern is how the trail will be funded.

“Cash! Money! It needs to be funded so the trail can be constructed as soon as possible,” Tredennick said.

In March 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $147 million federal grant to the City of Jacksonville, Groundwork Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority to design and construct five segments of the trail.

However, due to a pause in federal funding by the White House Office of Management and Budget in January 2025, that funding has still not been received.

“It was awarded, but we don’t have a grant agreement in place yet,” Ehas said. “The good news is that Congressman Rutherford and Bean are really committed to helping us get that federal grant, so fingers crossed that it will come through.”

With the project still in its planning phase and not expected to be complete until 2031, residents are eager to see it brought to life.

“It’s going to do nothing but bring good things to any neighborhood that the Emerald Trail goes through,” Pryor said.

The next neighborhood walk will be held this Saturday, May 17 at 11 a.m. on the Eastside. The group will meet outside Kids Hope Alliance.

Click here for more information on the Emerald Trail.