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