McCoy’s Creek Recreation and Restoration Plan

Today, much of the historic McCoy’s Creek in Jacksonville, Florida is channelized, tucked underneath highways or hidden behind dense overgrowth, suffering from water quality and acute flooding issues. Through decades of disinvestment, safe access to the Creek has also been disconnected from the majority Black community of North Riverside – though it is one of few open spaces available.

In collaboration with the City of Jacksonville and a range of local partners, stakeholders, and community members providing input throughout the planning process, the McCoy’s Creek Recreation and Restoration Plan proposes a vision for the creek that aims to equitably reduce flooding, improve water quality, restore native ecosystems and habitats, expand recreational opportunities through a greenway and network of public destinations connecting communities along the Creek’s edge; link into Jacksonville’s regional Emerald Trail system with dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians; and establish wayfinding that honors the Creek’s rich social and cultural history.