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