Choose a meeting point
Agree on an entrance or another landmark visible on everyone’s map. Save the point before you enter the park. Make the first lap a familiarisation lap and note where shared paths branch off.
Keep the route flexible
Start with broad paths and choose a small loop that returns to your meeting point. Add a second lap only when it fits the time you planned. On busy days leave space for people walking, skating and cycling.
Compare like with like
If you want a reference run, record the same start, direction and loop for each visit. Treat different GPS readings as estimates. Compare how the outing felt and how often you had to stop before drawing conclusions from a faster time.