Winter 2012 Newsletter Extended: Loop Trail
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TOURISM STUDENTS CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROPOSED SLO LOOP TRAIL
By Hannah Baker (RPTA '13), Staff Writer
In Spring 2011, Dr. Jerusha Greenwood's RPTA 314 class conducted a large group project that consisted of creating a Loop Trail in the San Luis Obispo area. In essence, it is a 'trail' but in a very loose sense of the word. As Dr. Greenwood put it, "The trail is very theoretical in nature."
The SLO Loop Trail is also known as the Highway 101 Loop Trail, seeing as it connects various locations throughout San Luis Obispo County in a figure eight loop. It is a multi-mode trail that includes not only driving, but biking, running and walking as well. Ultimately, the trail was made to attract many transportation options other than just driving.
In the beginning of this group project, the RPTA 314 class took an inventory of their resources and then put together proposed sections of the loop. 
Each group was assigned different sections of various parts of the figure eight loop, such as Nipomo and Highway 46. Additionally, the groups were required to conduct research on certain places like golf courses, lavender farms and bee farms. This research helped the students to understand the ways in which the trail could attract pedestrians through what it offers.
"The second phase of this trail will be to take separate sections of it and combine them into one main trail. This will ultimately create a database of opportunities. Eventually, the SLO Loop Trail will become a marketing tool for San Luis Obispo tourism," Dr. Greenwood commented.
Ultimately, the SLO Loop Trail was created with sustainable goals in mind. The trail is set to highlight the history and culture of San Luis Obispo. When the trail becomes a reality, it will become a key vehicle in eco-tourism throughout the county, promoting all of the wonderful aspects that San Luis Obispo has to offer!
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