Groundwork Jacksonville has received a $1 million grant – the largest, single private donation in its history – to fund the lead sponsorship of the Emerald Trail Riverside Link.
The donation is part of Delores Barr Weaver’s Legacy 2024 grantmaking plan which included a $61 million contribution to her donor-advised fund at The Community Foundation, the largest in the foundation’s history.
“Investing in projects like the Emerald Trail ensures that people in the surrounding neighborhoods are included in the quality-of-life benefits that result from this important work,” Weaver said. “For me, it is gratifying to see the entirety of the Riverside area benefit from this Emerald Trail link.”
Groundwork Jacksonville is one of several local charities benefiting from the historic philanthropic gift, which focused on grantmaking to causes and selected nonprofits Weaver has supported for many years. Previously, Weaver contributed nearly $60,000 toward the McCoys Creek restoration design and $250,000 for the Emerald Trail LaVilla Link.
“Groundwork Jacksonville is grateful to be among the beneficiaries of the Weavers’ generous commitment to improving our community and the lives of our residents,” CEO Kay Ehas said. “This grant is a wonderful continuation of the work Mrs. Weaver has done in Riverside including the restoration of the historic John Gorrie High School into residences and her support of the John Gorrie Dog Park, which the Emerald Trail Riverside Link will connect to. Her legacy in Jacksonville – and in Riverside – is indelible.”
Connecting the city
The 34-mile Emerald Trail will connect 14 historic urban neighborhoods to downtown, the St. Johns River, McCoys Creek and Hogans Creek. It will link 16 schools, two colleges, three hospitals, 21 parks and the Regional Transportation Center, along with other destinations like restaurants, shopping and businesses, with an additional 13 schools and 17 parks located within three blocks of the trail.
Currently, 40% of the trail is complete, under construction or in design by Groundwork and the City. These include the LaVilla Link which opened in May; Hogan Street, which is expected to be under construction this summer; Hogans Creek, which is in design and expected to be under construction in 2026, and McCoys Creek which is in various stages of construction or design.
The five remaining trail segments will be designed and constructed by Groundwork Jacksonville in partnership with JTA and the City of Jacksonville. The work will be funded by a $147 million Neighborhood Access & Equity Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) that JTA and Groundwork were awarded in March of this year, with a local match from the Local Option Gas Tax and private funders.
Groundwork Jacksonville was formed in 2014 by the City of Jacksonville in partnership with Groundwork USA, along with support from the National Park Service and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Community meeting Aug. 21
Groundwork will share the draft design concept for the Riverside Link at a community meeting later this month:
Wednesday, Aug. 21 | 6 p.m.
618 Stockton St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
