Louisville Loop Master Plan loopmasterplan_draft_041813sm_0 | Page 32

landscape elements of the Loop planning, this Master Plan recognizes
that each trail segment lies within a specific region. Trail segments may
cross multiple physiographic regions. The summary below provides
a general overview of the various corridors and trail segments of the
Loop. The maps displayed in this chapter reflect the constructed,
preliminary, or preferred conceptual and various alternative routes
determined during segment master plans and are subject to change
during design/build phase of the project.
Ohio River Valley – RiverWalk Trail
Length: 9 miles (approximately)
Physiographic Region: Ohio River Valley
Character: Urban, Industrial, Waterfront, Historic
Highlights: Downtown Louisville, Parks (Waterfront, Lannan, Shawnee,
Chickasaw), Historic Neighborhoods and their Landmarks (Portland,
Russell, Shawnee, Chickasaw), Public Art, Historic U.S. Marine Hospi-
tal, Portland Canal and the McAlpine Locks and Dam, Louisville Wharf,
Portland Wharf
The RiverWalk is one of the original trail segments of the Louisville
Loop. Most importantly, it is the first segment of trail along Louisville’s
downtown waterfront heading west. Since 1996, this approximate
9 mile off-road shared use path has connected Waterfront Park to
Shawnee Park providing the community a first-hand glimpse of some
of Louisville’s most defining elements. The backdrop of the Ohio River
Valley as its defining character, it carries the user along the path provid-
ing glimpses of Louisville’s river heritage.
Description: Starting at the Big Four Bridge, the RiverWalk traverses
Louisville waterfront areas where the experience includes such high-
lights as the Waterfront Park with the Louisville Wharf, home of the
historic Belle of Louisville steamboat; Louisville’s founding site, Corn
Island; the Portland Canal, and the McAlpine Locks and Dam. These
sites provide users along the RiverWalk direct contact with this heritage.
Interpretive signage along the way informs users about historic and
natural elements, including the city’s historic beginnings at Corn Island,
flooding, riverboat commerce and travel, the U.S. Marine Hospital dur-
ing the Civil War, and other important features. Starting at the Portland
Wharf, the trail continues west along the river and arrives at Shawnee
Park, one of the original Frederick Law Olmsted designed parks.
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Destinations: The RiverWalk provides direct connection for
residents and visitors to Louisville’s Downtown and all of its
amenities and events. Within 1000 feet of the Loop along the
waterfront in the downtown area, users may access the rich ar-
ray of museums and cultural events along West Main Street, the
Belvedere and its many cultural events, Waterfront Park, and
Louisville Slugger Field, hotels, and some of Louisville’s largest
employment locations. Many community facilities and neighbor-
hood amenities lie within one-mile of the RiverWalk, with safe
and direct access.
Community Facility Destinations w/in 1 Mile of RiverWalk:
• 22 schools (primary and secondary)
• Jefferson County Technical School Main Campus
• 5 Community Centers
• 4 Public Library Branches (including Main Branch)
Challenges: As the oldest trail segment, the RiverWalk portion
presents several challenges. Modern standards for trail plan-
ning and access merit a review of conditions along the trail.
These conditions and design standards include such issues
as access points, trail width, location, connectivity and other
defining amenities. In addition, due to changing conditions over
time and other contributing factors, flooding and erosion have