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