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