Text · page 56 of 154
Read the whole document on one page (all 154 pages, each with its own heading)
56 Town of Aurora What We Heard Throughout the planning process, residents and stakeholders of Aurora were continuously engaged to ensure the plan reflects their desires and vision for the community. Engagement opportunities included a public survey, stakeholder interviews and focus groups, and two public workshops. With regard to Recreational, Cultural, and Historical Resources, residents emphasized the importance of high-quality parks, cultural amenities, and preserved historic character as core elements of Aurora’s identity. • Expand and Connect Trails: Trails were the most requested recreational feature, with strong interest in expanding multi-use trails, walking and biking paths, and connections between parks and neighborhoods • Preserve Historic Assets: Residents value the Town’s heritage and support the adaptive reuse of historic structures, better promotion of historic sites like the Millard Fillmore House, and incentives to maintain historic homes • Improve Communication and Accessibility: Resident suggestions included creating a centralized and accessible resource for sharing information about events and recreation and ensuring parks are welcoming and usable for all ages and abilities. Key Issues & opportunities “Opportunities” represent existing “Issues” represent either existing needs strengths or assets in the Town that can or gaps in the Town that limits to future be further leveraged and supports the development or the Town from achieving potential for new development, business the plan’s vision statement and goals. creation, or achieving the plan’s vision statement and goals. Historic Preservation & Cultural Tourism: Limited Pedestrian Connectivity to Recreational Formally listing eligible sites (i.e., portions of Knox Sites: Many parks (i.e., Knox Farm & Majors Park) Farm & West Falls Train Depot) on the National lack sidewalks or safe pedestrian routes, making Register would unlock historic tax credits, bolster it difficult for non-drivers—especially children and community pride, and attract visitors seeking seniors—to reach recreational amenities. heritage experiences. Gaps in Trail Mileage and Linkages: Town parks Potential Rail Trail & Trail Connectivity: Tying in collectively have about 3.35 miles of trails, below the the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail with existing park 4.5 miles recommended by national metrics. Despite trails, can form a broader network joining hamlets, natural assets like Cazenovia Creek and scenic scenic overlooks, and historic points together— preserves, trail connections and signage remain ultimately surpassing the 4.5-mile national inconsistent. standard for walkable and bikeable trails. Insufficient Year-Round Indoor Facilities: Most local Local Artisan & Agri-Tourism Partnerships: parks offer primarily outdoor amenities, leaving Collaborations with farms, the West Falls Center limited indoor gathering or recreational space for the Arts, and the Blueberry Treehouse Farm (gyms, community centers) during winter months or can produce workshops, seasonal festivals, or inclement weather. artisan fairs that highlight local goods and cultural traditions.