Comments and ideas we’ve heard so far from multiple engagement processes are summarized below.
Safety at lower level
Engage younger generations
Address displacement concerns, address community skepticism, give the neighboring communities a sense of ownership
Linking residents in farther areas to a local bus route, ensuring sidewalks lead somewhere, etc.
Connect kids and adults to natural environment
Relaxing
Pocket gardens
Connect communities breaking transportation barriers
Enhance Sister City Relationship
ADA accessible pickup and dropoff areas
Active trail with letterboxing or geocaching
Educational programming of immigrant history, Hickey Freeman clothing company, geological history, Olmsted Parks, and railroad history
Beauty of nature
Universal design and inclusivity
Sense of belonging
Re-activate former museum visitor center
Sustainability and ecological stewardship
Capitalize on views, water quality and safety issues
Seating along trails
Interpretive signs
Blue lights
Cost to enter
Butterfly garden
Engage with those who don’t have internet
Urban wildness
Mural art to enhance community building
Public transportation / trolley between city-wide destinations
Focus on being environmentally friendly, make use of alternate energy and think about waste management
Early wins
Connectivity (walkability and bike connection between High Falls and Inner Loop)
Ecology Center
Traffic safety and speed control + signage
River Access
Trail & benches
Appropriate plants for dry shaded areas
Equal access to river in all seasons; ramps in winter can be problematic
Reclaim industrialized areas to connect people with nature
Photography
Connect people to the water
Accessibility and safety for seniors
Promote neighborhood ownership through planting maintenance
Enhance community unity through multi language signs
Foster environmental stewardship
Revitalize RoC waterfront
Passive recreation, like yoga
Artwork integration
There needs to be investment in the community, the bordering neighborhoods are predominantly low-income and would benefit from park programs and learning opportunities
Inclusive park that integrates nature, urban infrastructure and historic significance
Community-driven initiative to maintain park’s green spaces
Include playful elements and tie to the historical elements
Picnic
Speed control measurements
Clear debris from river
Wayfinding for all ages
Industrial history contributing to Erie Canal development
Accessibility and wayfinding that is inclusive of the large deaf and disabled population in Rochester
Drive infill businesses in disinvested areas
Priority on learning opportunities including an ecology center
Planning for 8 to 80 yrs
Collaboration and unity within communities
Need off-street connector to High Falls
Shade
Gorge wall stair, elevator
Separate trail use for senior visitors
Prioritize pedestrian and cyclist traffic
Multi-modal transportation, bike access, trails, pedestrian access, cross-city programs
Changing the public perception, introducing a policing presence sensitively
Separate bicycle and pedestrian paths
Serve diverse population
Trail materials to be more natural, like stone dust
Event center
“What would the gorge look like without human involvement?”
Community gardens
Safety signs
Safe and welcoming access routes to the park from adjacent neighborhoods
Bathrooms
Acknowledge and celebrate historic communities, buildings, resources, “history of sustainability”
Traffic control
Concern over gentrification and displacement
Improve Infrastructure, like shade structure, for future activities
RTS access and need for buses to route to the site
Slower car traffic
Educational programs, nature exploration, recreational activities
Study forest and bird communities
Cultural hub of year-round events and programs
Amenities like fountains for visitors and pets
Aesthetics of Bridge
Programming all year round
Loop trails with mile markers
Year-round festivals and events
Cleanliness
Campground in the city for the youths
Signs should be multi-language
Integration into downtown, to the Inner Loop Project, etc.
Parking
Avoid impact vehicular travel on St Paul (cars and large trucks), pedestrian access from across the bridge
ADA
Native American trails
Bike from adjacent destinations to High Falls
Separate cyclist/ pedestrian/ tourist from vehicular traffic
Native planting
Solar-power implements