July 2011 - Parks & Recreation - 40

PUBLIC HEALTH continued from page 37

markers with maps and other information (such as messages about the benefits of exercise and the history of the area)
to their existing trails. They also hope to
increase the number of bike racks located throughout their community in the future. In addition, the Pierre Loop of the
Pierre/Ft. Pierre Trails was extended to
connect to newer development in Pierre,
allowing more local residents to have access to the trails.
In Louisville, Kentucky, Metro Parks
is taking a lead role in the planning, design, and construction of many parts
of the Louisville Loop, a multi-use trail
of 100 miles that will encircle the city.
(The project is approximately 25% complete, with over 40 projects currently
underway.) Over $100 million of local,
federal, and private funds have been
leveraged to fund the trail itself and enhancements that will support the trail.
En ha ncements i nclude bike la nes,

pedestrian improvements, signage,
parkland development, and promotional
materials. The Loop plays a large role in
making Louisville a bike-friendly community for both recreational bicyclists
and bicycle commuters. Metro Parks Senior Planner Lisa Hite notes that, " The
Loop will encircle our city and make it
possible for more people who don't currently have good bicycle facilities to have
safe and enjoyable places to ride. We are
identifying 'spokes' to the Loop on the
existing Olmsted Parkways and other
streets to make connections from neighborhoods, parks, schools and workplaces to the Loop. The Loop will highlight
history, scenic views, public art, and diverse neighborhoods, while encouraging more people to get outside where
they can learn about their community
and become more physically active. "
Parks and recreation agencies that
wish to work on bicycling initiatives in

their local communities can access a
number of resources. The Bikes Belong
Foundation (www.bikesbelong.org/) promotes bicycling in numerous ways, such
as advocating for policy and funding at
the federal level as well as providing
community grants. The Alliance for Biking and Walking (www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/) provides a variety of
resources related to biking and pedestrian advocacy. In addition, many local communities have bicyclist associations that
work with local government on making
communities more bike-friendly.
NRPA supports communities that are
implementing successful practices to promote health and wellness. For more information on these programs, please visit
www.nrpa.org/achieve or www.nrpa.org/
cppw.
Melanie Chansky is NRPA Senior

Program Evaluator.

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