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