JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — A plan to create a trail network in Jacksonville Beach has created quite a buzz through several neighborhoods.
The idea of connecting the whole city with trails running through the business and residential areas has created quite a wide variety of opinions.
“Anytime I was having a bad day, I’d hop on a bike, and I’d go cruise the sand until my legs couldn’t pedal anymore, and that would be my release," said Beach Life Rentals Owner Curt DeWitt.
DeWitt says he started renting bicycles because of his love of riding around town.
However, when customers ask where the best spots to go in Jacksonville Beach are, he feels his answer choices are limited.
“I really only have Hanna Park and a few parks like Jarboe Park to send them to, so if we can have some sort of Greenway, I think it would be an excellent thing, especially for the people who aren’t familiar with the area," said DeWitt.
Jacksonville Beach city leaders are looking at an Urban Trails Master Plan that would create a trail loop around the city with additional trails cutting through the middle.
The first phase of trails would go in on 4th, 8th, 9th and 15th Avenues North and Jacksonville Drive.
First Coast News talked with folks living along 4th Avenue North, and although none were willing to go on camera with us, the plan was met with mixed reviews.
One resident with children said she’s looking forward to her kids having a safer way to bike up and down the road. However, some homeowners are concerned with just how much the trails will take up the rights-of-way.
The trails are planned to be 10 feet wide in some sections, making some homeowners concerned about how it will impact parking and privacy.
DeWitt is looking forward to having more places to recommend to his customers and check out himself.
“I think, if anything else, it’s going to bridge my gap from park to park," said DeWitt.
Motorized vehicles like golf carts won’t be allowed on the trails.
Construction is expected to start on the first five roads next summer, but the whole thing will take several years.
City leaders have planned a community meeting about the trails on Wednesday, December 13 at 6 p.m. It will be held at the Jacksonville Beach Parks and Recreation Community Center at 2508 South Beach Pkwy.
You can RSVP here.
