Guest column: Our last best chance for a Jacksonville riverfront for all Nancy Powell, Jimmy Orth, Natalie Rosenburg Susan Caven Ted Pappas Barbara Ketchum Michael Kirwan
Downtown Jacksonville is clearly at a defining crossroads, and we implore city leaders to recognize what is at stake: the last, best chance to create a “Riverfront for All.”
Jacksonville should follow the lead of cities that have successfully combined signature riverfront parks, connected trails and well-designed Riverwalks to attract residents, visitors, events, and developer investment, while also providing protection from sea level rise and flooding.
This proven approach will cost less and give us more, especially since the city already owns riverfront land. Riverfront parks yield returns on investment that are superior and long term. What’s more, they improve the quality of life for city-wide residents of all socio-economic groups.