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