FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
What is the Lake Jackson Greenways Project?
The Lake Jackson Greenways project combines two greenways from the 2015 Tallahassee-Leon County Greenways Master Plan (GWMP) into one. The Lake Jackson Greenway extends from Doris Drive to Parwez “PA” Alam Park at Okeeheepkee Prairie Preserve (formerly Okeeheepkee Prairie Park) and the Lake Jackson South Greenway & Cycling Route is runs from Livingston Road to Lake Ella Drive. Together these provide an approximately five-mile multimodal connection between two very popular recreational areas: Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park and Lake Ella at Fred O. Drake Park in Midtown Tallahassee.
What is the project’s purpose?
The Lake Jackson Greenway projects were originally conceptualized in the GWMP expand regional bicycle and pedestrian mobility and to provide connectivity from Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park north of town and Lake Ella at Fred O. Drake Park in Midtown, with access to the Meginnis Arm Landing and Centre of Tallahassee. The approximately five-mile-long route is designed to connect public spaces and recreational, residential, and commercial areas to meet the needs of the diverse population of users.
When is community engagement anticipated and how can I comment?
Live Q&A Sessions with the Project Team will were held in March 2021. The Community Engagement Summary Report and can be accessed on the project webpage, BlueprintIA.org/Projects/Lake-Jackson-Greenway.
What will the proposed Lake Jackson Greenway look like?
The Lake Jackson Greenway will include a combination of crushed rock or natural surface trail (similar to what exists along the Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway), asphalt paved trail, and on-road designated cycle routes. This will allow the Lake Jackson Greenway to accommodate a wide variety of non-motorized user groups.
What specific areas does the Lake Jackson Greenway plan to connect?
Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park and Parwez “PA” Alam Park at Okeeheepkee Prairie Preserve: The Greenway proposes a connection from Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park at Doris Drive to the entrance of Parwez “PA” Alam Park at Fuller Road. The project alignment will head south as a cycle route on Livingston Road.
Meginnis Arm Paddlecraft Launch: A cycle route is proposed on Meginnis Arm Road, providing connection to Meginnis Arm Landing. Improvements are proposed for the parking area and paddlecraft launch.
Centre of Tallahassee and Trousdell Aquatic Center: The project will head south from Meginnis Arm Road to Sealey Elementary, with proposed sidewalk expansion along Allen Road. A cycle route through the Centre of Tallahassee will connect Greenway users to a trail at Trousdell Pond to John Knox Road.
Cycling Route to Lake Ella: At John Knox Road, the Greenway transitions to a cycling route, heading south along Delta Boulevard and Dellwood Drive with signage and pavement markings. A paved trail between Glenview Drive and Tharpe Street will help facilitate a safe multimodal connection. The proposed cycling route will terminate at Fred O. Drake City Park and Lake Ella at Legion Street.
Will there be parking and amenities along the trail?
The Lake Jackson Greenways projects do not include the design or construction of new trail heads or parking areas. Parking for Greenway users is available at Parwez “PA” Alam Park at Okeeheepkee Prairie Preserve, Meginnis Arm Landing, and Fred O. Drake Park at Lake Ella. Trail amenities may include the following: benches and seating at key locations with hardscape and landscape features at intersections and points of connection resulting in a unique identity for the trail.
Who will benefit from the Lake Jackson Greenway?
The Lake Jackson Greenway, which includes facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians, is a publicly accessible amenity that will be beneficial to the entire community. Residents of the surrounding neighborhoods, local and state park visitors (Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park, Parwez “PA” Alam Park at Okeeheepkee Prairie Park, Fred O. Drake Park at Lake Ella), students at nearby schools, patrons and tenants of Sugar Creek Plaza, the Centre of Tallahassee, and other nearby businesses, and visitors to the Trousdell Aquatic Center and Gym will benefit from the addition of an expanded multimodal network.
What is the current status of the Lake Jackson Greenway?
Please see the regularly updated Project Snapshot found here for current project status.
When will the Lake Jackson Greenway be complete?
Project design is estimated to be completed early 2023. Construction is anticipated to begin later in 2023 and is estimated to be completed by the end of 2024.
Who is funding this project?
This project is being funded by Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency (Blueprint). Current Blueprint project funding information can be found here.