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