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