Construction on phase one of the McCoys Creek Restoration Project began in June 2021. It is being funded with $105.4 million from the City of Jacksonville to remedy McCoys Creek flooding, create neighborhood-friendly spaces, improve recreational opportunity, and protect the environment.

Major components of the 18 month project include the permanent closure of portions of McCoys Creek Boulevard, reconstruction of the Stockton and King Street bridges, creek restoration and Emerald Trail construction. The restoration of the creek, which was channelized in 1930, will involve restoring the waterway to a meandering natural channel design and expanding the flood plain with the addition of natural water containment features, such as lagoons and tidal pools. The former road bed of McCoys Creek Boulevard will be replaced with a new segment of the Emerald Trail. When complete, the trail component of the project will connect the historic Westside neighborhoods of Lackawanna, Mixon Town, Campbell Hill (Rail Yard District) and Brooklyn to the Northbank Riverwalk.

A rendering of the McCoys Creek Restoration project.

Frequently Asked Questions

A conceptual map of the proposed Emerald Trail system. The McCoys Creek Restoration project includes a trail segment that will connect Lackawanna and Brooklyn, along the south side of McCoys Creek.

What is the McCoys Creek Restoration Project?

The City of Jacksonville has committed $105.4 million over the next three years to restore McCoys Creek to a natural state and in the process, mitigate the ongoing and chronic flooding on McCoys Creek Boulevard and in the nearby neighborhoods.

Groundwork Jacksonville, a local nonprofit, has partnered with the City to engage residents and community stakeholders on a vision plan and design for McCoys Creek that will reduce flooding, improve water quality, restore and add fish and wildlife habitats and create a more resilient ecosystem.

In addition, the project will provide parks, trails, access to creek and recreation opportunities and other amenities. Bridges on Stockton and King streets will be replaced with new bridges at higher elevations. Bike paths and sidewalks will be added to both bridges.

Where is McCoys Creek located?

McCoys Creek is located west of downtown Jacksonville. The head of McCoys Creek is just west of Leland Street and then travels southeast through several neighborhoods, including Lackawanna, Mixon Town and Brooklyn as well as the Rail Yard District. The creek outfalls to the St. Johns River near the Acosta Bridge.