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