that also serve to aid in environmental and conservation matters . Using shared-use paths for short distance trips has the potential to positively affect a community ’ s greenhouse gas emissions as it replaces a motorized trip with a non-motorized trip . This greenhouse gas reduction can also lead to beneficial health outcomes . A reduction in carbon dioxide emissions through an increase in biking and walking for transportation has greater health benefits for a population than from the increased use of lower-emission motor vehicles . As an economic development tool , demand to be closer to trails can encourage higher-density development closer to the trail . This approach can serve to promote sustainable growth and development by helping to define patterns of development and in some cases protect sensitive areas while meeting the community ’ s economic and spatial needs .
Two Key Terms : Loopshed and Greenways
Loop specific terms are identified in the 2009 Louisville Loop Design Guidelines Standards . Two terms specific to the Loop , Loopshed and Greenway , provide an understanding of its potential and inform planning and development . The success of the Louisville Loop depends on the urban and suburban networks that feed into and support the connections and amenities to the facility . The way to analyze , plan , and implement connections and amenities is to consider the Louisville Loop within the context of the “ Loopshed .” The Loopshed is defined as the links within a network or defined space ( typically 1 / 2 to 1 mile radius ) that feed into the main Loop pathway corridor , much like waterways within a watershed ; it includes streets , greenways , and other key corridors that link the Louisville Loop path with the immediate communities and their destinations .
With the existing built portions and proposed future alignments , the Loopshed , defined as 1 / 2 to 1 mile from the Loop , has the potential to capture the majority of the habitable areas of Louisville . The Loopshed is the context to analyze the most effective and efficient network for the Louisville Loop to provide connections within an area and to connect that area to other parts of the city , creating a greenway system .
Modern greenways have become key to urban infrastructure in cities across the country . The value as infrastructure goes beyond landscape . Trail systems across the country now consider storm water management , water quality , habitat preservation and economic development as multi-objective values of greenways . The Louisville Loop , alongside the existing and future trails , will form the framework and basis of a dynamic greenway system for Louisville . The vision for creating a greenway network , including the development of the Louisville Loop was a central focus of the 1995 published Louisville and Jefferson County Multi-Objective Stream Corridor / Greenway Plan . The plan recognized greenways as “ land use that supports the natural infrastructure of the county landscape ” ( 2 ).
For this Loop Master Plan , greenways are defined as a linear , accessible corridor of interconnected land that may offer public facilities . A greenway connects parks , natural areas , cultural features , historic sites , and schools with commercial business and residential areas . A greenway often follows a river , creek , ridgeline , valley or linear open spaces but may also follow railroad corridors , utility rights-of-ways , parkways and other roads . A greenway can provide hike and bike trails , pedestrian and transit connections , a linear park system , a wildlife corridor , areas for flood control , and a means for preserving water quality while serving as an active transportation system that connects citizens to a greener , healthier city .
Louisville Loop Progress
Prior to the CITY OF PARKS initiative in 2005 , various path segments of the Loop alignment had been implemented and enjoyed . In the early 1990s , Hargreaves Associates developed plans for Waterfront Park , incorporating elements of the future path that would become the Louisville Loop , including the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge . After the 1996 completion of Phase II of the RiverWalk , a continuous path extended from Waterfront Park to Shawnee Park . In subsequent years , phases along various segments of the Ohio River allowed pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy long segments of the Loop and that effort continues .
The 1996 Ohio River Corridor Master Plan , developed as part of Cornerstone 2020 , set the goal to connect people and neighborhoods to the Ohio River . Through multiple segments , the “ Ohio River Corridor Trail ” would extend the RiverWalk into northeast- Jefferson County and link adjacent neighborhoods through street and path connections . The waterfront would “ provide
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