The Partnership of Northeast Florida Clubs of Rotary International, representing ten local Rotary Clubs, raised $250,000 for Groundwork Jacksonville to help fund a portion of the Emerald Trail Riverside Link.
On February 24, 2025, representatives from the ten participating clubs presented a ceremonial $100,000 check to Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, representing the final installment of the Rotary partnership’s $250,000 commitment.
During a tour of the Emerald Trail and McCoys Creek, leaders from several clubs presented Groundwork Jacksonville with $50,000 toward the commitment.
The Rotary Clubs’ Partnership kicked off the Emerald Trail campaign in September 2022 and presented the first $50,000 installment to Groundwork Jacksonville in December of that year. An additional $100,000 was contributed in 2024.
The 2.3-mile Riverside Link will be the third Emerald Trail segment to be built and is currently in design with construction to begin in late 2026. The Riverside Link will connect RAM to McCoys Creek and the North Riverside neighborhood. It also will connect the Emerald Trail to the Southbank Riverwalk and San Marco, via the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) shared use path across the Fuller Warren Bridge.
The Rotary Clubs’ Partnership is the presenting sponsor of a half-mile spur of the Riverside Link from the Riverside Arts Market (RAM) to Memorial Park, which was dedicated by the Rotary Club on Christmas Day 1924 to honor those who gave their lives to protect American freedom.
In addition to its connection to Memorial Park, the Rotary Clubs’ Partnership came together to support the Riverside Link because the Emerald Trail aligns with each Rotary focus area: Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution; Disease Prevention and Treatment; Water and Sanitation; Maternal and Child Health; Basic Education and Literacy; Economic and Community Development; and Protecting the Environment.
“Jacksonville’s local Rotary Clubs have a legacy of service and leadership and truly set an example for others to follow in terms of community impact. We are beyond grateful that the local clubs chose to put their efforts behind this project in such an enthusiastic and meaningful way,” said Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville.
About the Rotary Clubs of Jacksonville
Rotary International and its worldwide membership of 1.5 million professional and business leaders are dedicated to leadership and community service and is the first service club in the world. For 40 years Rotary has promised to eradicate Polio from our planet and is close: 99% of our world is Polio free with only two countries reporting cases. Learn more at www.rotary.org. To learn more about the 24 Rotary clubs in the Jacksonville area, call 904.626.5029.
