Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 163

Walking paths and shared use paths in parks are an extremely popular and attractive way
for people to improve their health and fitness. LMPRD staff has observed that new paths result
in an immediate rise in numbers of park users often before the paths are officially opened. The
popularity of the Louisville Loop among walkers, runners and cyclists confirms this trend.
Walking, jogging and cycling are generally easier to fit into busy schedules than many other
sports or activities and don’t require purchase of a lot of equipment (other than a bicycle for
cyclists). It is easy to understand why they are such popular activities. Families, singles,
millennials, and seniors of all ethnic backgrounds and incomes are all seen on Louisville’s paths.
These numbers suggest that there should be continued and likely enhanced investment in
additional walking and shared use paths that are distributed around the community to allow as
many people as possible easy access to this inexpensive and convenient means of improving
health and fitness.
The 2016 survey specifically gives the examples of walking, jogging and cycling in the
question, but it is likely that park users participate in other fitness activities in parks such as
basketball, tennis, golf, swimming and team sports. Individually, however, the survey suggests
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VI. RECREATION AND LEISURE TRENDS ANALYSIS | October 2016 Update