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