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