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