Groundwork Jacksonville accepted its largest private donation for the Emerald Trail project Wednesday from Jacksonville-based tobacco manufacturer Swisher.
The $500,000 gift will spur completion of a 1.3-mile portion of the trail project in Springfield that will connect Brentwood and Durkeeville, near Andrew Robinson Elementary.
Swisher has operated in the Phoenix neighborhood since 1924. A former rail line near its headquarters will become part of the Emerald Trail.
Swisher CEO Neil Kiely hopes other companies will donate to projects that improve Jacksonville’s quality of life.
“We believe a lot of other businesses realize the health of the community, the vitality of the community is what’s going to be the vitality of our business,” Kiely said. “So, our ability to give back to the community like we have been for over 100 years, we believe, will spur other investments by other companies over time that will not only be transformative for the community, but will enable the long-term business community to thrive.
The donation was part of the company’s $1 million commitment to community causes this year.
The 30-mile walking and biking pathway will eventually connect the neighborhoods around Jacksonville’s urban core.
U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, was among the local, state and federal elected officials whom Swisher executives praised for their vision in creating a trail project in the heart of Jacksonville.
Bean said the Emerald Trail will enhance the quality of life, unite neighborhoods and foster civic pride.
Groundwork Jacksonville CEO Kay Ehas said 40% of the Emerald Trail is either in the design phase, under construction or already complete. Work on the first portion of the trail, the LaVilla Link, is expected to finish later this year.
“We are absolutely hoping it will start a flood of corporate donations,” Ehas said.