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