Rails to Trails Conservancy Names Kay Ehas 2025 Trail Champion for Community Leadership in Jacksonville

Groundwork Jacksonville's Trailblazer: Kay Ehas Recognized

In a significant achievement for the Jacksonville community, Kay Ehas, the CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, has been awarded the prestigious title of Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion for 2025 by the Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC). This honor not only acknowledges Ehas's exemplary leadership but also highlights the transformative impact of her work on the Emerald Trail project, a vital infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity and green spaces throughout the city.

Ehas has championed a community-oriented approach in developing the Emerald Trail, which encompasses a 30-mile network of bicycle and pedestrian paths designed to connect 14 historic neighborhoods and downtown Jacksonville to various local and regional amenities, including parks, schools, and transit systems. The project is rooted in public-private partnerships, allowing residents and local leaders to collaborate effectively to shape a shared vision for the trail's future.

Ryan Chao, president of the RTC, praised Ehas’s strategy, noting, "Her approach not only constructs infrastructure but also fosters social capital and civic engagement, which are crucial for the success and sustainability of the trail network long after its completion.” This community-driven model emphasizes active participation from residents, ensuring their voices are heard in the development process and laying the foundation for a resilient community.

The Emerald Trail Master Plan, adopted by the Jacksonville City Council in early 2019, envisions a green corridor that promotes healthier lifestyles. The first segment, known as the LaVilla Link, was inaugurated in May 2024. This milestone serves as a model, showcasing the trail’s potential to revitalize neighborhoods while addressing critical issues such as public health and local economic growth.

Ehas's vision extends beyond mere trail development. "We see the trail as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization and economic development," she asserts. Even prior to any physical construction, significant private investment has been drawn into the area, underscoring the trail’s role in spurring local economic opportunities. This investment will facilitate not only physical improvements but also enhance local residents' connection to nature and foster stronger community bonds.

The Emerald Trail offers more than recreational space; it includes remediating contaminated lands and restoring the natural environments along McCoys Creek and Hogans Creek, which are woven into the trail’s design. This holistic approach to urban planning addresses pressing environmental issues while improving the quality of life for Jacksonville’s residents, many of whom face low income and health disparities.

Ehas emphasizes the importance of public involvement in shaping the trail's direction, stating, "As residents, what do we want the Emerald Trail to be?" By prioritizing community engagement, Groundwork Jacksonville garners trust and cultivates a shared commitment within the neighborhoods.

Additionally, the Emerald Trail is integral to the Northeast Florida Regional Multi-Use Trails Master Plan and the larger East Coast Greenway initiative, spanning 3,000 miles. Through these connections, the Emerald Trail will serve as a vital component of a broader effort to anchor Jacksonville within a network of inclusive, accessible transportation spaces.

Awarded since 2011, the Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champions Award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the rail-trail movement. Past recipients include dedicated volunteers, government officials, and advocates who all share a common passion for trail development. This year’s recognition serves as a testament to Kay Ehas’s tireless efforts and the vital role that community engagement plays in fostering meaningful change.

Rails to Trails Conservancy continues to lead the charge in promoting trails as essential public spaces for wellness and community connection, and Kay Ehas's invaluable work epitomizes this mission. To learn more about Kay Ehas and the Emerald Trail, visit Groundwork Jacksonville.