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