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