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