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