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