Emerald Trail - LaVilla Link

Baptist Health has made a strategic investment in the Emerald Trail in support of advancing wellness, belonging, walkability and community.

Emerald Trail - LaVilla Link Main Content

walking trail in downtown Jacksonville

A New Chapter for Jacksonville

In alignment with our mission to advance the health of the community, Baptist Health has invested in the first phase of the Emerald Trail, the LaVilla Link. This 1.3-mile portion of the trail, designed with the input of area residents, restores one of Jacksonville’s once most walkable neighborhoods.

The LaVilla Link connects the Brooklyn neighborhood of downtown Jacksonville with the natural beauty of the S-Line Rail Trail, and is just the first section of the planned 30-mile Emerald Trail, which will encircle the urban core.

Emerald Trail - LaVilla Link Additional Content Section 1

Community Activities & Wellness

The LaVilla Link is more than just a trail - it's a catalyst for community health and connection. Baptist Health plans to work with community partners to use this portion of the trail for health and well-being education, wellness activities and fun family events.

people biking and walking along a trail with wildflowers

Emerald Trail - LaVilla Link Additional Content Section 2

Steps and Stories

Steps and story time come together on the LaVilla Link of the Emerald Trail, thanks to a rotating installation called StoryWalk®, which features a series of 20 mounted displays depicting sequential pages from a children’s picture book. Baptist Health works with other community organizations on this project to bring families together to foster connection, movement and early literacy.

Where is StoryWalk on Lavilla Link?
The StoryWalk® is positioned near the butterfly garden on Johnson Street between W. Church and W. Duval Streets, along the 1.3-mile LaVilla Link.

woman looking at a storywalk sign

Related Articles, Locations, or Other Information

  • Looking Ahead

    The LaVilla Link is just the beginning. By 2030, the complete Emerald Trail will create a 30-mile network connecting downtown Jacksonville with Hogans Creek, McCoys Creek, and the St. Johns River. This project will link:

  • 14 Neighborhoods

  • 21 Parks

  • 16 Schools