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