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