Louisville Loop Master Plan loopmasterplan_draft_041813sm_0 | Page 53

CHAPTER
4
Design Guidelines
Role of Guiding Documents and Policies
Throughout the planning for the Louisville Loop, the overarching guiding principle has been to provide safe, efficient, and pleasing facili-
ties that accommodate all levels of users and create a more connected community. Each area of Louisville possesses unique environ-
mental characteristics, both natural and built, reflective of its rich history and diverse landscapes. A series of design and wayfinding
documents were developed to assure the Louisville Loop provides a consistent user experience. Between 2009 and 2011 Metro Parks
developed three key documents, including the Louisville Loop Design Guidelines, the Louisville Loop Wayfinding Master Plan, and the
Louisville Loop Soft Surface Trail Standards. Each of these are a document outlining essential standards and guidelines and setting a
high standard of quality.
In addition, the Louisville Metro Land Development Code (LDC) includes) provisions and regulations that will guide future land develop-
ment and elements specific to greenway trails. It is conventional practice in many cities throughout the country to have provisions in their
land development codes referencing legislatively adopted plans. This permits the municipality to negotiate easements and access when
private development is proposed. Further explanation and general overview of the role of the LDC will be covered in the section below.
Each of these documents serve project planners, developers, and affiliated partners with a consistent set of guiding principles, standards,
and other design elements to assure a recognizable, consistent, and attractive outcome for the Louisville Loop. The sections below pro-
vide a general overview of each of the documents mentioned above. This Master Plan will serve as an essential first point of reference
to project managers, designers, and users as a gateway to these documents.
Louisville Loop Design Guidelines
The Louisville Loop Design Guidelines Manual is the most critical document to date developed for the Louisville Loop project. Its 154
pages are laden with detailed graphics, text, and images reflecting best practices, standards, and guiding principles on elements such
as signage, branding, facility standards (paths, etc.), crossing standards, support facilities (trailheads, etc.), public art, and more. The
Design Guidelines Manual has received local, regional, and national recognition and has been presented at numerous conferences
around the region and country. The intended standard for constructing the entire Louisville Loop is to establish the project as a world-
class facility that result in civic pride and numerous long-term community benefits. The guidelines are meant to ensure the trail functions
as one cohesive system, defined by unique materials and amenities coordinated to define a character distinctive to the Louisville Loop.
Lousville Loop Master Plan
53