Goodby's Canoe Trail? POSSIBLE!

Ocklawaha · October 27, 2011, 11:13:45 PM

From Camp Tomahawk Park at the end of San Ardo Drive in the San Clerc neighborhood of the south side sits at the head of Goodby's Creek. From here the creek winds down to the St. Johns River, a twisting distance of about two miles southwest. This is just one of several mini trails that I think we could develop.

Goodby's Creek has the dual benefit of starting in a beautiful park and running through a very nice neighborhood. The surrounding neighborhood would make this a great trail for novice, young or out of shape paddlers. Let's see if we can get some feedback on this idea. I believe this is in Ms. Boyer's council district and she has already proved to be a council member of action (you'll be reading more about her rapid response in a coming article). Our friend Noone might want to get the boat wet.

Canoe and Kayak launching area are best without concrete, a small sandy landing, a water tap, and a secure post or rack where boats can sit to be rinsed off before the trek back home. 5 guys, a small tractor and a Saturday morning is about all this would require. Lori? Let's go paddling.

Camp Tomahawk

The head of Goodby's Creek and the probable launching area. This launch site is a little steep, but that is where a small tractor and minor grading would come into play, as an alternate site north of this footbridge, where the creek is currently choked with weeds there more of a waterlevel entry.

Noone · October 28, 2011, 06:33:29 AM

Pocket Parks -Pocket Piers. Ock this could happen and if councilwoman Boyer wanted to persue this she can show up at the Nov. 2nd Jacksonville Waterways FIND subcommittee meeting at 10 am 4th floor of city hall. FIND projects are being identified.

I believe a companion piece of legislation that has a Conversation component to this was 2011-246. Recently passed. I believe this connects to Goodby's creek just south of this potential launch site. Need to double check.

Ock, I'd welcome the opportunity to work with you, Boyer, and anyone else to Make It Happen.

ricker · October 28, 2011, 07:59:16 AM

Just to clarify FYI CYA

THE MEETING IS. WEDNESDAY. morning November 2, 10 am
( not Tuesday )

I'm excited to see Boyer working out some change for the betterment of our region over in District 5.
But how about in District 14 as.well! ?

The underside of the US17 Roosevelt bridge over the Jax Marina mile is RIPE!

LOOK AT IT HERE. <WWW.JACKSONVILLEMARINAMILE.COM>

NorthMiami, Lakelander, Ocklawaha, Fieldafm.
Where are you Wednesday morning?

4th floor. ST JAMES. Conference rm A. Ste425.

We NEEED YOU ALL!!
See you there

fieldafm · October 28, 2011, 08:02:00 AM

Fieldafm has talked extensively with the group that made the presentations to waterway, but fieldafm also has a job and is consistently upset that waterways doesn't meet at a time that is more accomodating to public participation.

fieldafm · October 28, 2011, 08:09:39 AM

Quote from: Noone on October 28, 2011, 06:33:29 AM
Pocket Parks -Pocket Piers. Ock this could happen and if councilwoman Boyer wanted to persue this she can show up at the Nov. 2nd Jacksonville Waterways FIND subcommittee meeting at 10 am 4th floor of city hall. FIND projects are being identified.

I believe a companion piece of legislation that has a Conversation component to this was 2011-246. Recently passed. I believe this connects to Goodby's creek just south of this potential launch site. Need to double check.

Ock, I'd welcome the opportunity to work with you, Boyer, and anyone else to Make It Happen.

The parcels in that bill, 148713-0000 and 148713-0100 are on the Southside of Goodbys Creek. If you look at Ock's picture, it's the land right underneath where the text reads 'Goodbys Creek'. That land is owned by COJ and now has a 'conservation' designation and cannot be developed for residential.

tufsu1 · October 28, 2011, 08:24:55 AM

Quote from: fieldafm on October 28, 2011, 08:02:00 AM
Fieldafm has talked extensively with the group that made the presentations to waterway, but fieldafm also has a job and is consistently upset that waterways doesn't meet at a time that is more accomodating to public participation.

is fieldafm speaking like a rock star or athlete now?

fieldafm · October 28, 2011, 08:55:42 AM

fieldafm will be holding a workout later today and is welcoming all potential employers to come out... highest bidder will be awarded his services

Ocklawaha · October 28, 2011, 11:08:20 AM

Fieldafm, is this the property you are talking about? I'm curious if the property immediately south of the apartments on San Jose is also part of the city's ownership? If it is, check out the aerials below, note that several acres are sandy (ie: high and dry). Hopefully Councilwoman Lori Boyer is following this conversation because creating a small entry driveway onto that parcel opposite Harbor Acres Lane, with very little improvement this would be an ideal canoe/kayak launch/takeout site. I would envision something like the launch/landing at Palmetto Leaves Regional Park right off of Old St Augustine Road at Julington Creek, though this wouldn't need to be nearly as 'improved' to function.

dougskiles · October 28, 2011, 01:05:13 PM

Quote from: Ocklawaha on October 28, 2011, 11:08:20 AM
Hopefully Councilwoman Lori Boyer is following this conversation because creating a small entry driveway onto that parcel opposite Harbor Acres Lane, with very little improvement this would be an ideal canoe/kayak launch/takeout site.

Ock, are you suggesting that Lori should introduce legislation for this? If I understood her editorial correct, groups who come to the district council person with a detailed plan and a funding source have a much better chance for success. I think it is a great idea. It will take a considerable amount of work (and fundraising) from the citizens who are proposing it. Who would be leading that effort?

Ocklawaha · October 28, 2011, 03:08:36 PM

If the council wanted to create a new park out of a corner of this conservation land then you are correct, it would cost some money. As far as a trail and launch sites, except for signage, a little sweat and a handful of volunteers could make this happen. Canoes/Kayaks are NOT concrete boat ramp friendly, we just need a beach, or a trail down to the drink.

Noone · October 28, 2011, 05:53:31 PM

Goodby's canoe trail can happen. Pocket Parks -Pocket Piers. I hope Boyer takes the lead on this. I will help.

Ricker thanks for the clarification. I'll be sending out emails this weekend around the state. My primary focus is Downtown and the opportunity for Public Access and Economic opportunity to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative. Right now its not happening Downtown.

Who wants to be a 501-c?

Be concerned.

Garden guy · October 28, 2011, 06:11:28 PM

Sorry but i find it funny what they sometimes call land. Conservation lands..lol...mostly wetlands..are they concidered land or water?....Wonder why so many developers get to call swamps land....i guess if you bribe the right person you can call it what ever you want around this town though...just an observation.

dougskiles · October 28, 2011, 06:15:13 PM

Quote from: Noone on October 28, 2011, 05:53:31 PM
Goodby's canoe trail can happen. Pocket Parks -Pocket Piers. I hope Boyer takes the lead on this. I will help.

Noone - I love your passion for river access, Hogans Creek and the Shipyards. But when you say - I hope someone else takes the lead on something - I hope you don't get too upset when it doesn't happen.

All of the council members I have spoken to have told me the same thing - the people who come to them with ideas and a concrete plan for putting them into action - get the most attention. Making a lot of noise trying to get them to do something clearly isn't working. It is time to start working on a plan. Find out how much it costs. Spend some money on design - or try to find someone who will do it pro-bono.

Find out who has been successful in getting things done like this in the past and talk to them about it. There are examples all over Jacksonville of groups who have worked with the city to create wonderful parks. Much of the money was raised by the neighborhood (and much of that was from state and federal grants). There is usually a certain percentage the city will match once they see a financial commitment from those who are pushing for it.

I hope you don't take offense to this. I really like you and want you to succeed. And to spend your time and energy most effectively.

Ocklawaha · October 28, 2011, 08:11:06 PM

Quote from: Noone on October 28, 2011, 05:53:31 PM
Goodby's canoe trail can happen. Pocket Parks -Pocket Piers. I hope Boyer takes the lead on this. I will help.

Be concerned.

Noone, I really think we can pull this off with muscle similar to what we've seen at Hogans. First off though we need to paddle the whole course, including the little 'takeout' creek southeast of the apts on San Jose. Doug? Got blue jeans? LOL.

We need to explore the whole creek system and rate it for paddlers.

We need to draw up a basic plan... very simple stuff since construction only consists of some minor grading, a wooden rack and tie down area, and maybe (I hope) a hose bib... Doug?

We need to have our councilwoman on board

We need to present same to Parks and Recreation and Waterways, with committed muscle to get er done.

Signage? I have sent a note to Oklahoma Correctional Industries sign shop (used them back when I was a councilman in cowboy's country) they will do design and custom signage and the cost is penny's compared to commercial sign shops. http://www.ocisales.com/Default.aspx

We need a package and a plan.

Quote from: Garden guy on October 28, 2011, 06:11:28 PM
Sorry but i find it funny what they sometimes call land. Conservation lands..lol...mostly wetlands..are they concidered land or water?....Wonder why so many developers get to call swamps land....i guess if you bribe the right person you can call it what ever you want around this town though...just an observation.

Maybe so GG, but this area definitely has a sizable area of high and dry land. Basically most everything along San Jose, south of the apartments and west of the first creek is dry, also if you look in the first photo anywhere where the tree colors appear dark green. Most of those locations east of the little creek are islands and peninsulas.

Noone · October 28, 2011, 08:13:16 PM

Quote from: Garden guy on October 28, 2011, 06:11:28 PM
Sorry but i find it funny what they sometimes call land. Conservation lands..lol...mostly wetlands..are they concider ed land or water?....Wonder why so many developers get to call swamps land....i guess if you bribe the right person you can call it what ever you want around this town though...just an observation.

GG, swampland and developers use mitigation land banks. The headwaters of Pottsburg Creek was going to use a potato farm in Hastings to fill in wetlands.

Doug, the bigger concern is not the project per say. But the ability for everyone to be allowed to participate from an economic standpoint. Whether anyone succeeds or fails that will be determined by the market. Imagine if our river was opened up and not just Downtown but the tributaries.

Palms Fish Camp let me show you that disaster.

I'm not taking any offense. Just very concerned and time is running out with redistricting and the pier. Not letting it go its turning into Shipyards III.