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