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