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