On Monday, May 6, City of Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, Groundwork Jacksonville CEO Kay Ehas, and Baptist Health President and CEO Michael A. Mayo, DHA, FACHE, hosted the ribbon cutting and official opening of the LaVilla Link, the first segment of the much-anticipated Emerald Trail. Hundreds of community members joined in the celebration at the foot of the Park Street Bridge near the Prime F. Osborn Convention Center to commemorate this community milestone.
This is a historic day for Jacksonville as our vision for this transformational project begins to take flight,” said Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, the City’s nonprofit partner in building the Emerald Trail and restoring McCoys and Hogans creeks. “We see the Emerald Trail as the centerpiece for downtown, where residents and tourists come to experience nature, recreation, art, culture and a sense of connectedness. But just as important, we intend it to be a key driver of neighborhood revitalization by supporting and empowering long-time residents along the trail to become the architects of their neighborhood’s future.”
The 1.3-mile LaVilla Link connects Brooklyn to the S-Line Rail Trail through the historic LaVilla neighborhood. It serves as the “Model Project,” allowing residents near the trail and throughout the region to envision what the Emerald Trail system will offer once complete. The LaVilla Link was designed and constructed by the City in partnership with Groundwork Jacksonville and was funded by the City and charitable support and investment secured by Groundwork.
“The Emerald Trail will be a shining jewel for this city, and it represents so much of what my administration is about. Economic development. Strengthening community ties. Health. Resilience. Infrastructure. Through the trail, we are taking a big leap forward in all of these areas,” said Mayor Donna Deegan.
According to Ehas, the LaVilla Link was not a part of the initial Emerald Trail plan draft but was suggested by Durkeeville and New Town residents who wanted direct access downtown. “This project is a testament to the value of community engagement and bringing residents to the decision-making table,” said Ehas. “When residents suggested LaVilla it was an ‘Aha Moment.’ Not only did it make perfect sense to include this link to support the redevelopment happening in LaVilla, but the LaVilla Link also offers several important connections.”
It links the Prime F. Osborn Convention Center, the Regional Transportation Center, Beaver Street Enterprise Center and the existing S-Line Rail Trail, creating nearly three miles of contiguous trail. In addition, residents along Water and Lee streets, across the Park Street Bridge in Brooklyn, and at the LaVilla townhomes, along with visitors to the soon-to-open Lift Ev’ry Voice & Sing Park will provide immediate trail users.
Advancing health and well-being
In alignment with its mission to advance the health of the community, Baptist Health is the lead investor in the LaVilla Link. The health system will continue its commitment to the activation of the LaVilla Link by offering community health and education events along the trail.
Beyond people having access to health care services, research shows that length of life and quality of life are primarily impacted by the social determinants of health – the conditions in which we are born, grow, live, work and age.
The development of trails is a proven way to advance health outcomes for whole communities. Access to walking and biking trails offers innumerous health benefits including increased physical activity, reduced blood pressure, improved mood and heightened social connectedness, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
“The Emerald Trail provides a platform to improve social determinants of health for Jacksonville residents by providing a safe, welcoming environment for physical, social and community interactions,” said Michael A. Mayo, DHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Baptist Health. “We believe the LaVilla Link will help people move more, connect more, learn more and enjoy more – all of which are important factors for helping foster greater health and well-being.”
Click Here to See Event Photos
Click Here for Features and Photos of the LaVilla Link
Click Here to Download Printable Map of LaVilla Link
For turn-by-turn directions of the LaVilla Link trail-goers can download the Art Bikes Jax app for IOS or Android.
