Mayor Brown works to improve parks and waterways ahead of summer rush

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown is teaming up with the Sierra Club and the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SOBRA) to improve the city's parks this summer.

The Mayor signed a new initiative that will add new signage to 45 miles of trails at seven parks. Three and half miles of new trails will also be added.

Visitors can scan a quick response card with their smartphones to get a video tour of the new trails as well as maps. The Sierra Club is also adding guided tours on the second Saturday of each month beginning in July.

Ten new water launches are also being added to the St. Johns River, including two downtown. Mayor Brown says this will improve access for kayakers and other water sport enthusiasts.

Two weeks of swim lessons will be available at every outdoor pool. This is part of the initiatives Waterproof Jax program, an attempt to prevent accidental drownings.