PHXJAX on the Emerald Trail in Jacksonville, Florida

We at the Phoenix Arts and Innovation District (PHXJAX) had the honor of hosting a pivotal moment in Jacksonville’s future—the announcement of a transformative $147 million grant dedicated to accelerating the completion of the Emerald Trail. This unprecedented federal investment, the largest one-time grant the city has ever received, is a game-changer not only for connectivity but also for community revitalization, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability.

Regenerative Placemaking in Action

At PHXJAX, we champion regenerative placemaking—designing spaces that don’t just exist within a community but actively uplift, heal, and inspire it. The Emerald Trail embodies this philosophy, weaving together neighborhoods that have long been disconnected due to historical infrastructure decisions. By linking Springfield, Eastside, and Phoenix, this trail will serve as a catalyst for inclusive growth, inviting residents to reclaim their city through movement, art, and shared public spaces.

This milestone moment was celebrated alongside Mayor Donna Deegan, City Council President Ron Salem, Groundwork Jacksonville CEO Kay Ehas, JTA CEO Nathaniel P. Ford, Sr., and other key leaders. Their commitment to making Jacksonville more walkable, bikeable, and accessible aligns with our mission at PHXJAX—to create an arts and innovation hub that thrives on connectivity and collaboration.

A Trail That Connects and Transforms

The grant funding, bolstered by a $36.65 million match from the Local Option Gas Tax, will fast-track the development of the remaining five segments of the Emerald Trail. This means:

  • The S-line Connector (Segment 4) will run through PHXJAX, bringing foot traffic and visibility to the district while linking our community with Springfield and the greater trail network.

  • The Eastside-Phoenix-Springfield connection (Segment 8) will help bridge historic divides, fostering economic growth, mobility, and social connection.

  • The full 30-mile trail system will ultimately connect 21 parks, 16 schools, 14 urban neighborhoods, three hospitals, two colleges, and the JTA Regional Transportation Center—transforming how Jacksonville moves and interacts.

Reclaiming Public Space for Community

Mayor Deegan underscored the deeper impact of this initiative, emphasizing that infrastructure isn’t just about roads and bridges—it’s about people. By reconnecting neighborhoods once fragmented by outdated planning, the Emerald Trail serves as a blueprint for how cities can rebuild with equity and sustainability in mind.

For us at PHXJAX, this means leveraging the trail’s presence to foster artistic expression, entrepreneurial growth, and public engagement. With the trail running through our district, we envision:

  • Public art installations that tell the stories of our diverse communities.

  • Outdoor gathering spaces for performances, maker markets, and interactive exhibits.

  • Collaborations with local schools and organizations to activate the space with educational and wellness programs.

A Future Built on Collaboration

As Groundwork Jacksonville secures additional funding to complete the Hogan’s Creek portion of the trail, PHXJAX remains committed to being a key partner in this city-wide movement. With a long-term agreement in the works to support trail maintenance and programming, we see endless possibilities for how this space can be activated to serve the people of Jacksonville.

The Emerald Trail isn’t just a path—it’s a promise. A promise of reconnection, revitalization, and a city that prioritizes its people. PHXJAX is proud to be a small part of this large transformation, proving that regenerative placemaking isn’t just an idea—it’s the future.

Brittany Nazario