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