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