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