Kasen M.
Yelp
I love this park. It's easily accessible from my house in Crescent Hill. There are lots of walking/running trails. The park is always clean, and under surveillance by LMPD constantly (The live roaming police officers and metro-camera video surveillance). It's generally pretty safe, but I'd recommend visiting during daylight hours.
No matter if you're a walker, runner, or pushing a stroller or wheelchair, most sidewalks are wide, flat, and clear of debris -- with the exception or right by the river. When the water gets high some mud, driftwood and other river junk can make its way to the sidewalks. I'm not sure if the city cleans it or waits for the rain to wash it away, but it typically doesn't block the pathways for too long.
If you're braving the park in the winter, just remember that the wind it even more bitter coming off the river. On super cold days, I run the path closest to River Road, rather than alongside the river.
Aside from the free, safe fitness, I love that the Big Four Bridge at Waterfront Park offers a free connection to Jeffersonville. The Big Four Station on the Jeffersonville side offers lots of cool businesses and more places to walk/run. I refuse to pay the bridge toll (via car) and hate fighting traffic on the 2nd Street Bridge, but I've used the Big Four Walking Bridge as a Segway/excuse to go for doughnuts, beer and even a trip to the Falls of the Ohio.
Note: tax is higher in Indiana, so you can just as easily walk the bridge for fitness then meet up with friends in Nulu to save tax different. Also note that during Covid, many of the IN side businesses I've visited haven't taken masking seriously. Another reason, IMO, to get my free fresh air & exercise, then return to the Ville.
Don't fall into the tourist trap of the paid parking across the street from the bridge. If you're looking for parking, I recommend the lots further away from the Bridge. Those tend to be crowded with cars and pedestrians. If you don't mind some extra steps, places like the UofL Rowing lot typically have plenty of spots -- and for free.
During "normal" times, the Park is also home to some great festivals - both free and paid. Other attractions include a splash park, large playground, scooter, Segway and bicycle rentals and food vendors (during warm seasons). There's usually a hot dog guy near the bridge. No horseshoes, basketball or volleyball- just plenty of walking paths and places to picnic and watch the boats go by. Def recommend visiting any season.