Jacksonville Unveils Plans for New Dog Parks and Sidewalk Extensions to Boost Community Engagement

Jacksonville Enhances Community Spaces with New Dog Parks and Sidewalk Extension

Jacksonville residents can look forward to exciting changes in their community as the city lays out plans for new dog parks and a sidewalk extension aimed at improving accessibility and recreational options.

What is Happening?

The rerouting of Orange Picker Road has been completed, paving the way for the establishment of both small and large dog parks in the area. The new parks will be located adjacent to the parking lot along Orange Picker Road, where a grassy, treed area is planned to become a playground space. A second dog park area will be situated off Brady Road behind the tennis courts, utilizing the former playground space. Each dog park will feature dedicated sections for small and large dogs to ensure a safe environment for all sizes.

Where and When?

A community Town Hall meeting is scheduled for late November, providing residents an opportunity to share their thoughts and feedback on the dog park project. Attendance is encouraged as community input will shape the final development plans.

Parking Changes

Residents can expect some positive changes regarding parking in the area. Additional parking spaces will be created, allowing for more vehicles (excluding handicap spaces) to be directed away from Brady Road. The development aims to optimize parking on both the south and north ends of the park, increasing convenience for park visitors.

Sidewalk Extension Along Mandarin Road

A separate initiative involves extending sidewalks along Mandarin Road. A letter was sent to residents in late October from the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) concerning ongoing surveys focusing on tree preservation in the area. With a commitment to maintaining the community’s natural beauty, efforts are underway to save as many trees as possible during this project.

Following the assessment, another Town Hall meeting will take place at the Mandarin Community Club, likely after the New Year, to share findings and discuss next steps with the community.

Yard Waste Management and Community Engagement

The yard waste situation in District 6 has improved significantly. The waste management service, Waste Pro, alongside the City of Jacksonville, has worked diligently to address collection issues, recently deploying claw trucks to assist with pickups. Ongoing solutions are being tailored on a case-by-case basis to enhance efficiency.

On a community engagement note, the district’s representative attended two significant events on November 17. Notably, a resolution was presented to the pastor and congregation of Mandarin United Methodist Church to commemorate the church’s 150th anniversary. Additionally, the representative participated in the unveiling of a life-sized bronze statue of Harriet Beecher Stowe at Walter Jones Historical Park, which serves as an interactive piece connecting the community with its historical roots.

Contact Information

Community members are encouraged to get involved and voice their opinions. For inquiries or feedback, residents can reach out via email at MBoylan@coj.net or call (904) 255-5206.

As Jacksonville moves forward with these community-oriented enhancements, residents can look forward to improved recreational facilities and transportation options that will foster a greater sense of community.