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