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