If apartments replace the former Kmart, residents may be able to walk to Jarboe Park as part of another effort to make Neptune Beach better connected and pedestrian friendly.
Neptune Beach Mayor Elaine Brown said Monday the city secured a $160,000 grant to build a new trailhead on the southern side of the park, in addition to other upgrades currently underway.
From there, Brown wants to build a new greenway with a pedestrian and bicycle path connecting Jarboe Park from Bay Street to Lemon Street, near the proposed mixed-use development.
The trail would run behind the existing commercial development facing Third Street.
“It will keep kids from having to use the sidewalks if they want to go to our library or other areas,” Brown said.
Brown said a survey for the greenway is completed and now in the hands of engineering to determine the cost.
“We’ll be looking for some help to pay for it from the county, the state or anyone else who wants to help make this happen,” she said.
“The goal is to connect these areas and make it easier for people to get there without their cars,” said Brown.
Another aspect of connectivity is relocating Neptune Beach City Hall and the Public Safety building.
The city-owned properties that house the city’s operations are in the central business and entertainment district, where Atlantic Boulevard and Lemon and Orange streets meet First and Second streets.
In July, Brown said a new location could be at or near Jarboe Park, however, no site has been determined. Brown said the city is inviting interested parties to submit proposals through the end of December.
“We’ve had a lot of inquiries, but just one letter of interest so far,” she said. “I’m sure that will change in the next two months.”