Visit Jacksonville indicates that the “Where Jacksonville Begins” has the “largest urban park system in the entire nation”.  Wow! Be proud fellow citizens. Jacksonville already is known for being the largest city by landmass in the U. S. A. , for having the beautiful St. Johns River where “The Cowford” began in 1822(former name of Jax) and has about 25 mies of sandy white beaches. So Jacksonville is quite the city!  To add to its beauty, it has an extensive park system. 

Here is a short list of these destinations:

Fort Caroline National Park, Kingsley Plantation, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, Huguenot Memorial Park, Riverside Park, Memorial Park Stockton Park, Losco Regional Park, Mandarin Park, Riverside Park, Talbot Islands State Parks including Little Talbot and Big Talbot, Dutton Island Preserve, Yellow Bluff Fort, Fort George State Park, Hannah Park, Fort Family Regional Park (Baymeadows), James Weldon Johnson Park (Formerly Hemming Park).

Now, That’s something to brag about but wait until this is added!  By 2029 an almost 30 mile park will be added to that list.  Called, “ The Emerald Trail”, it will span in and around the city turning and wind along paths, transform dead spots, vacant areas, shared bike paths, travel under bridges, by the river and more. 

Those involved, along with the city government is Path Foundation, JTC Running, Kaizen landscaping, Giving Forward Community Endowment, Community Foundation and even individual donors like you.

Places that you’ve known before as eye sores will be transformed into beautiful flora and fauna and in a matter of hours you will be able to bike, walk or trail this new Jacksonville park.

Pay attention.  That park may wind by your home or school. It is is slated as a park to encourage “healthy lifestyles” and will be a touchstone to 17 schools, 17 parks, Hogans Creek, McCoys Creek, downtown Jacksonville and the St. Johns River.

Not an ordinary park for a unique city.  

See you tomorrow,

Sources- Emerald Trail photo- JTC Running, Visit Jacksonville, Giving Forward, Community Foundation, Kaizen, Path Foundation