of Louisville Metro are a strong partner of the Louisville Loop . Several suburban cities have been active partners in Loop alignment planning and development . Many of these municipalities provide key destinations for residents and businesses within the overall system . The municipalities should work with Louisville Metro to ensure uniform trail design standards in Loop facilities , connectivity outside their borders , and proper trail development ordinances and procedures that complement the Louisville Loop . Partners may also provide assistance in maintenance and operations consistent with Metro design guidelines and management practices .
Funding for early segments of the Loop ’ s planning , design , and construction have been supported through local matches for State and Federal grants , private donations , and private development . The long-term viability of the Louisville Loop will require important resources and support from Louisville Metro Government and all partners . Metro will set the design and maintenance standards of the project . In addition , Metro will play an essential role is supporting the strategic direction of the Loop , particularly in defining and updating specific agency roles .
Cross-departmental collaborations are critical to the success of the future Loop . Key agencies involved in the Loop have included Metro Parks , Metro Public Works , Economic Growth and Innovation , Planning and Design Services , Public Health and Wellness , Metro Police , and associated related agencies including the Metropolitan Sewer District ( MSD ), Transit Authority of River City ( TARC ), Waterfront Development Corporation , and Downtown Development Corporation .
Role of Private Partners
Implementing and sustaining the Louisville Loop will require a solid base of involvement and support from the private sector . These partners include developers , businesses , merchants , corporations , foundations , civic organizations , homeowner associations , and individuals . A critical element of their partnership is the opportunity to directly benefit from the successful development and management of the Loop system . There are several roles the private sector can play . Developers play a critical role in trail and bicycle / pedestrian development , particularly whenever a project requires the enhancement of transportation facilities or the dedication and development of greenways . Private partners can also help implement future Loop segments by acquiring and holding land . Local businesses and corporations might consider sponsoring a segment of trail for development . Businesses and corporations might also consider a gift or donation of construction material , finished products that could be used on the trail , or labor to help build and maintain the trail . Additionally , businesses and corporations could provide reduced cost materials , finished products , machinery and / or labor to assist in trail project development . Employers can provide incentives for employees who commute using the Loop system . Among the incentives are bike racks , showers , lockers and cash reimbursements in lieu of employer paid parking subsidies .
Private partners can also play a significant role in programming for the Loop . For example , corporations may choose to locate an event on the trail . Organizations with interest in areas such as environmental , educational , or historic / cultural interest may choose to host tours or fundraising endeavors . Each of these private entities plays a significant role as a direct contact with a wide range of citizen representation . Corporations , organizations , and individuals may also consider cosponsoring fundraising events on the Loop . 21st Century Parks and the implementation of the Parklands of Floyds Fork provide good examples of the role private partners can play in the Loop .
Role of Citizen Advocates
Citizen participation and support of the Louisville Loop will be a very important part of its success . Support from groups and individuals play a vital role in the development and management of the Louisville Loop trail system . Members of civic organizations and trail user groups can contribute the time and labor to assist trail organizations and Louisville Metro with staffing events , adopting segments of the Loop for maintenance , raising funds and sponsoring for construction of trail heads , educational signage , and public art , among other roles . There are endless ways in which local advocacy groups can become involved with the Louisville Loop with one of the best way being to match the goals and objectives of the group to the needs of the Loop .
Citizen advocates of the Louisville Loop are forming a friend ’ s group to provide assistance to Metro Government and its partners . In other successful greenway and trail systems around the country , citizen groups have played an important role in providing volunteer labor to help maintain the facilities and assist in lowering the cost burden to local governments . Programs such as an “ adopt-a-trail ” provide the opportunity for volunteers , whether citizen groups , organizations , or individuals , to adopt a trail or segments of trails to perform major or minor routine maintenance tasks . Such tasks can vary from invasive species removal , painting , sweeping , removing litter , or other tasks as designated in the maintenance and operations schedule .
An early success of the Louisville Loop has been the program of volunteers – Loop Watch Group . The Watch Group provides the “ eyes and ears ” on the trail as a user group reporting any problems , dangers , or inappropriate activities . Their presence
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