One of the transformative projects of Cornerstone 2020 was a “ perimeter loop trail along the entire length of the Ohio River in the southwest ... along Pond Creek eastward via McNeely Park to Floyds Fork ... back to the Ohio River . The loop trail should be developed as a special recreational feature which could include public art and an interpretive program designed to reveal the natural and cultural history of the County ” ( 85 ). Parks and Open Space Master Plan , July 1995 . The Louisville Loop also would “ incorporate varying types and intensity of human use , including trails for passive recreation and alternative transportation ” ( 2 ). MSD Stream Corridor / Greenway Plan , March 1995 .
In 2005 Mayor Abramson launched the CITY OF PARKS initiative with the Louisville Loop as its centerpiece along with expanding and improving parkland and environmental education throughout the new city . As a result of community input , the perimeter path was named the Louisville Loop . An estimated 100-mile path system , the Loop will ring the city and link existing and new parks and neighborhoods to civic attractions while providing transportation alternatives that include bike and transit access . In 2011 Mayor Fischer described the potential of the Loop when he said : “ The Louisville Loop will not only set us apart as a desirable city … it will bring us together as a community … it will be a wedding ring for our city … joining neighborhoods … helping connect people to recreation , to their work and to the place they do business .”
Looking Forward
The vision of the Louisville Loop is to develop an estimated 100- mile loop path system that becomes an essential component for the growth and prosperity of the Region . It will form a network of shared-use paths , soft surface trails , on road bike lanes , stream corridors , Olmsted Parkways , greenways and transit routes . A transformative project for Louisville , it will create an integrated transportation system of sidewalks , transit , and bicycle facilities for our city and enhance the health and quality of life of our citizens . The Loop celebrates the City ’ s history and natural world through public art in its infrastructure , complementing special places , and interpreting the land and geology through exploring its five physiographic regions . The intent of the Loop is to leverage the impact of the original Olmsted Park and Parkway system and to help shape the future experience of our community .
Potential of the Louisville Loop
The Loop exists primarily as an off-road shared-use path . It does and will meander through the community , often paralleling a stream , the Ohio River , a road , or natural area . The Loop has the potential to incorporate many best practices of sustainable communities and fulfill the mission to connect people to a greener and healthier community . It will distinguish Louisville as one of the nation ’ s most livable cities through the use of green infrastructure , shared-use trails , active transportation systems , and safe and vibrant neighborhood districts . These are best practices employed by many of the more desirable and livable cities in the United States , including Denver , Indianapolis , Portland , Minneapolis , Raleigh , and Charlotte . These cities have elevated the quality of life for their residents and provide a tool to attract economic investment and tourism dollars . The new economy and chronic health issues require cities to invest in these resources . Louisville is primed to be among the best cities through the Louisville Loop project .
When completed , the Louisville Loop will pass within a mile of the majority of the population and connect directly to some of the largest employment centers in the county . This deep reach into the community has been the focus of the project ’ s principles
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