THE BEAUTY WE LIVE WITH: A Guide to the Parks in Monroe County
uThe beautiful is not to be stared at, but to be lived with."
-Thomas Babington Macau ley
~ Thomas R. Frey Monroe County Executive MONROJfj~ COUNTY This page is blanl<. A CELEBRATION ... Treasures Forever Preserved: 100 Years of Public Parks
A FAST DESCENT Workers water the toboggan slide at Ellison Park in this 1951 photo. Although the toboggan slide is no longer there, Ellison Park continues to be a popular wintertime park. The Beauty We Live With
Just a little more than a century ago, most Rochester-area citizens saw little or no need for parks. It's not as surprising as it sounds; surrounded by the natural beauty that was the Genesee Valley, it was undoubtedly hard to imagine a time when only an act of government might preserve that beauty. But the need for parks, and places for people to play, was quickly becoming apparent. Dr. Blake McKelvey, City Historian Emeritus, explains the movement in A Growing Legacy, "Rowing clubs were appearing on the upper and lower Genesee River, properly garbed bathers of both sexes were congregating at Charlotte and Sea Breeze in the summertime, picnickers were flocking to Maple Grove at the northern end of the Lake A venue horsecar line, and skaters welcomed the clearing of ice above the Court Street dam for their enjoyment in successive cold winters." And so it is that today we celebrate the 100th year of the Rochester Park System, which began with the dedication of Highland Park. Throughout this century, we have continued to designate parcels of land as "forever wild" -creating parks in towns, parks in villages, parks in the City of Rochester, parks in Monroe County. Because of this natural growth, our combined park systems represent an enormous diversity and richness. Each has something a little different to offer-from the astonishing collection of flowers and trees at Highland Park to the rugged river gorges of Seneca Park to the crash of the waves at Ontario Beach. Monroe County in 1961 took over operation and maintenance of many of the city's parks, (including Highland Park) in full recognition that the parks were used by all county residents. So we also are sharing this centennial celebration of the parks with the City of Rochester. This Parks Guide is part of our contribution to the celebration. Unlike other years, we are including all of the parks within Monroe County from the tiniest village parks to the largest state preserves. We hope that you find the guide useful and more importantly, that you enjoy the parks!
Thomas R. Frey County Executive
Copies of A Guide to the Parks in Monroe County are available at the County Executive's Office, the County Office of Communications and Special Events, the County Parks Department, and local libraries.
2 Published January 1989 SWAN BOATS ON TROUT LAKE The swan boats had their swan song in 1922, but many Rochesterians have fond memories of riding the boats as children . They were propelled by a driver who sat between the swans and pedaled the pontoon boat like a bicycle.
3 Park Locations A B c D E F G H j 1. Adeline Park ...... F4 61 . Irondequoit Bay Park West .... H5 2. Ayra ult Road Park...... J7 62. Irondequ oit Creek Tra il ...... H5 3. Ballantyne Park ...... E7 63 . Irondequoit Town Hall Park ... G4 4. Barge Canal Area ...... D5 64. Irving R. Kent Park ...... 14 5. Barnard Park ...... F4 65. Isaac Gordon Nature Park ..... G8 6. Bateau Terrace Tot Lot ...... G4 66. Johnson Park ...... DB 7. Beechwoods...... 16 67. Kreag Road Park ...... 17 8. Black Creek Park ...... D7 68. Lehigh Valley Trail Park ...... F9 MONRC•E CC•UNTY PARKS 9. Braddock Bay Park ...... E2 69. Lincoln Avenue 10. Braddocks Bay State Park ..... E2 Community Center ...... G8 11. Brighton To wn Park ...... G7 70. Linear Park...... 1 5 12. Bristol Tot Lot ...... G4 71 . Lion s Park ...... E5 • HAMLIN 13. Brown Square ...... F5 72 . Lock No. 32 Erie Cana l Trai l .. H7 N 14 . California Drive Park ...... F4 73. Lowe r Fall s Park ...... G5 15. Camp Eastman 74. Manhattan Square Park ...... G5 2 W+ E (open ing 88-89) ...... G4 75 . Ma plewood Pa rk ...... F4 s 16. Canal Side Park ...... E5 76 . Maplewood Rose 17. Canawa ugus Pa rk ...... D8 Garde n Park ...... F4 Lake Ontario 18. Carter Park ...... E4 77. Me morial Pa rk ...... E7 19. Carterville Trail Pittsford ...... H7 78. Memorial Park...... E5 CLAF KSON 20. Charles Carroll Park aka 79. Mendon Ponds Park ...... G8 Genesee Crossroad s Park ..... G5 80. Mendon Sports Pa rk ...... H8 21 . Churchville Park ...... B6 ~REECE ~~ 81. Milton R. Chase 3 CD +"390 -. GD 22. Clarkson Town Playground .... A3 Memorial Park ...... 14 • ••PARMA "'~ <3. Cobbs Hill Reservoir Park ..... G6 82. Northampton Park ...... B5 / A 24. Community Park ...... C7 83 . North Pon ds Park ...... 14 ~ ~ ~~ 25. Concrest Park ...... 16 84 . Northside Pa rk ...... 16 26. Copper Beach ...... G7 85. Oatka Creek Park ...... D9 '!----- 0 /4~ ...... I. '? . •• WEBSTE~ 27. Co rbett Park ...... A4 86. Ontario Beach Park ...... G3 28. Davis Park ...... E7 87. Pardee Tot Lot ...... G4 •• ;GL • )_ ) 29. De nsmo re Park ...... G4 ~-··· ·-·104t-+------. 88. Park Road Tenn is Courts ...... H8 4 30. Dewey/Latta Park ...... F3 89. Parma Town Pa rk ...... D3 ~ ~~ .._... -----t--- -,. ~ -~ ... ,..-\ ~ --f---- 31. Durand-Eastman ...... G4 90. Parma Town Hall Park ...... D3 1 ~1'--- ~ ~---~----..~, ---4=/~J~------!! ~RONDEOU,.St!- 32. Edg erton Park ...... F5 91 . Penf ield Town Hall Park ...... 15 33. Ed mund -Lyon Park ...... H6 92. Perinton Park ...... J7 SWEDEN - -- '---- -~ '1 ~ 34 . Egypt Pa rk ...... J8 93. Pineway Ponds Park ...... C5 0 35 . El lison Park ...... H6 94. Po rt of Pittsford Park ...... H7 • 36. Emp ire Boulevard Park ...... H5 Gf·~ -, • J ~- • PE~ IELD 95. Potter Park ...... 17 • ~ RO~ STER '-- r- l !'ftn- • 37. Engl ish Road Park ...... F4 96. Powder Mil ls Park ...... 18 5 OGDEN 38. Erie Canal Heritage Trail ...... A4 97 . Ridge Webster Park ...... 14 • a GATES \: .- 39. Eyer Park ...... 16 98. Rudman Road Park ...... G4 ---~ 40. Fellows Road Park ...... J7 99. Sawye r Park ...... E4 • ~ O r ' '\ 1\...,.0 ._CD 41 . Freeman Park ...... C9 100. Schantz Village Manor Park .. 14 42. Gates Town Hall Park ...... E5 101 . Seneca Park ...... F4 43. Ga rnsey Road Arboretum ...... 18 102 . Spezio Park ...... G4 44 . Gary Beikirch 103. Sp ring Lake Pa rk...... 16 I I o ~\ sl/ '~.~~· • • Veterans Pa rk ...... E3 104. Stoneybrook Road ...... F1 0 6 1 45. Genesee Valley Park ...... F6 105. The Common ...... F1 0 Y v~ C!f ~ E ~·. 46. Genesee Valley Park West .... .F6' • 106. Thornell Farm Park ...... H8 • CHURCHVILLE ~ L Jr-• ~u- ~ ~ FOCHESTER __. -- 47. George B. McAvoy Park ...... G4 107. Tryon Park ...... H5 48. Grandview Park ...... E3 108. Tryon Park West ...... H5 I 49. Greece Canal Park ...... E5 109. Turn ing Point Park ...... G4 50. Greenwood Park ...... 1 5 110. Upper Fa lls Terrace Park ...... F5 51. Hamlin Beach State Park ...... A1 111 . Vete rans Memorial Park. 52 . Hamlin To wn Hall Park ...... A2 Henr ietta ...... F8 7 53 . Ha rris-Whalen Park ...... 15 112. Veterans Memorial Park, 54. Harry Allen Park ...... F1 0 Rush ...... E10 55. Harvester Park ...... A4 113. Webster Park ...... 13 56. Highland Park ...... G6 11 4. Wegma n Road Park ...... E5 57. Hopkins Park ...... H8 115. We stgate .R ecreation ...... E6 58. Hubbard Park ...... D6 116. Wetland Area ...... H5 59. Iron dequoit Bay 117 . Wi lmorite Park ...... 13 Marine Park ...... H4 118. Wi nton Tot Lot ...... G4 8 60. Irondequoit Bay Park Easl .... .H 5 119. Yolanda Park ...... E7
WH ATLAND CD 9 [ ~ ~~------~ L MEI\DON
• HONEOYE 10 FALLS WHAT TO DO & WHERE Parks Activity Chart
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• Jurisdiction: M = Monroe County, R = City of Rochester, T = Town, V = Village, N = State
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• Jurisdiction: M = Monroe County, R = City of Rochester, T = Town, V = Village, N = State
7 WHAT TO DO & WHERE Parks Activity Chart
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· Jurisdiction: M = Monroe County, R = City of Rochester, T = Town, V = Village, N = State
8 Additional Park Activities
In addition to the information listed on Genesee Valley Park West. Each of these our activity reference chart, there are three rinks is available for rent by some additional things you should groups or organizations. Speed skating IMPORTANT PARKS know so you can really enjoy our parks! is permitted only at the Webster Avenue PHONE NUMBERS: A TVs are not permitted in county or Recreation Center. Call the City city parks. You can call the appropriate Recreation Office for more information New York State town or village recreation offices to on rink rental and speed skating hours. Parks ...... 493-2611 check their A TV policies. Skiing. Cross-country skiing is free in Monroe County Parks Ballfield reservations can be made by all municipal and county parks. For a Dept...... 27 4-7750 calling the County Parks Dept., the City map of ski trails, write: Ski Trail Maps, City of Rochester Recreation Office, and the appropriate Monroe County Dept. of Parks, 375 town or village recreation offices. Westfall Road, Rochester New York, Recreation Office ...... 428-6755 Camping is allowed at Hamlin Beach 14620. For more information on cross Brighton ...... 442-6585 State Park (964-2462) and Webster Park country ski lessons, call the City Brockport ...... 637-6030 (274-7760). Special permits must be Recreation Office. Chili ...... 889-4680 obtained for group camping in the other Downhill skiing is offered by Monroe Clarkson ...... 637-5650 parks listed on the activity chart. Call County in conjunction with Bristol East Rochester ...... 381-0378 the County Parks Dept. for more Mountain. There is a $3 lift ticket charge. Fairport ...... 223-5050 information. Open ski hours are: Gates ...... 247-6100 Canoeing is possible at many of our Northampton Park, 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Greece ...... 227-3840 parks, but only Genesee Valley Park on weekends and school Hamlin ...... 964-7222 West has canoe rentals. Call428-7005 for holidays. more information. Powder Mills Park, Sundays 12 Henrietta ...... 359-2540 Cricket field can be found at Genesee p.m. to 4 p.m. and school Honeoye Falls ...... 624-1711 Valley Park. holidays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Irondequoit ...... 467-8840 Golf course facilities: Sledding: Enjoy the sport, but please Mendon ...... 624-2300 Churchville Park, 293-9906 be aware that sledding is prohibited in Ogden ...... 352-3487 18-hole course, 6700 yards, par 72 downhill ski areas, the top portion of Parma ...... 392-9030 9-hole course, 3180 yards, par 36 the hill behind Oaktree Lodge in Penfield ...... 377-8655 Durand-Eastman Park, 266-8364 Powder Mills Park, and "10th Tee" hill Perinton ...... 223-5050 18-hole course, 5950 yards, par 70 in Durand-Eastman Park. Pittsford ...... 248-6280 Genesee Valley Park, 424-2920 Snowboards are allowed on county Riga ...... 293-3880 18-hole course, 2280 yards, par 70 sledding and toboggan hills. They are 18-hole course, 5620 yards, par 67 prohibited on downhill ski hills. Rush ...... 533-1866 Greens fees for weekdays are $6 for 18 Snowmobiles may be operated in Scottsville ...... 889-4700 holes and $4 for 9 holes. On weekends Hamlin Beach State Park. They are Spencerport ...... 352-4771 and holidays, fees are $7 for 18 holes prohibited in county and city parks. Sweden ...... 637-2144 and $5 for 9 holes. All fees are subject to Check with the appropriate town or Webster ...... 872-2911 change. Call274-7750 for more village about snowmobile policies. Wheatland ...... 889-1553 information. Swimming. In addition to the Lodge, Shelter, Camping Handball court can be found at swimming pools listed on the activity Reservations ...... 274-7760 Fellows Road Park in Perinton. chart, the City of Rochester maintains a Recorded Program Information Ice Fishing. When it's cold enough, number of pools at city recreation ice fishing is permitted in Mendon centers. Call the City Recreation Office County Parks ...... 274-7784 Ponds Park and Durand-Eastman Park. for a list of those recreations centers. For Northhampton Park Ice Hockey can be played at many of more information on the swimming Skiing ...... 637-2345 the city, town and village parks that beaches, call the appropriate facility: Powder Mills Skiing .248-2777 have ice rinks, as well as those parks Hamlin Beach State Park at 964-2462, Seneca Park Zoo ...... 266-6846 already listed on the activity chart. For Mendon Ponds Park at 334-9850, North Seneca Zoo Society ...... 342-2744 more information on hours at the Park in Webster at 872-2911 and Ontario Springdale Farm ...... 352-5320 county parks, call the County Parks Parks Beach at 865-6343. TDD/Hearing Dept. For more information on city or Tennis. In addition to the courts Impaired ...... 244-0426 town parks, call the appropriate listed on the activity chart, the City of recreation department. Rochester maintains a number of Ice Skating. Skate rentals are additional courts at city recreation available at Manhattan Square Park, enters and schools. Call the City The respective parks departments Webster Avenue Recreation Center and Recreation Office for more information. listed above can provide information on handicapped accessibility to the parks. 9 FROM TOT LOTS TO GREAT LAKES The Parks in Monroe County
ADELINE PARK BARNARD PARK Features a playground, softball field, two Features playground, shelter, two I do not own an tennis courts and a soccer field. softball fields, two tennis courts, a picnic inch of land, but Location: 124 Armstrong Road off area, hiking trails and soccer field. Denise Road. Location: 410 Maiden Lane between all I see is A Town of Greece Park of 6.5 acres. Dewey A venue and Mt. Read Boulevard. mine." A Town of Greece Park of 10 AYRAULT ROAD PARK acres. -Lucy Larcom Features an undeveloped natural area. Location: Ayrault Road east of Turk BATEAU TERRACE TOT LOT Hill Road. Features a playground. A Town of Perinton Park of 26 acres. Location: Rock Beach Road at the North end of Bateau Terrace. BALLANTYNE PARK A Town of Irondequoit Park of 1.5 Features a playground, picnic area and acres. softball field. Location: Corner of Ballantyne and BEECHWOODS Scottsville Roads. Features hiking and nature trails. A Town of Chili Park of 2 acres. Location: High Street Extension at Highwood Quarter BARGE CANAL AREA A Town of Perinton Park of 23 acres. Features a canoe and rowboat launch and fishing area. BLACK CREEK PARK Location: 631 Marsh Road, north of the Acquired by the county in the 1960s, Barge Canal. this park features two small ponds, a A Town of Pittsford Park of 3 acres. model airplane field for use with non fuel gliders, a rental lodge, trails for hiking, horse-back riding and cross country skiing, picnic areas, and group camping sites. Location: Southwestern portion of the County, south of Route 33A and west of Union Street, in the towns of Chili and Riga. Enter from Union Street, Chili-Riga Town Line Road or Route 33A. A Monroe County Park of 1,505 acres.
BRADDOCK BAY PARK Features a playground, shelter, picnic area, Hawk Lookout Tower, pavilion, hiking trails, and lodge. Location: 109 East Manitou Road, north of the East Manitou Road exit on the Lake Ontario State Parkway. A Town of Greece Park of 440 acres.
BRIGHTON TOWN PARK Features two pavilions, a lodge, nature and jogging trails, softball field , fishing area and playground. Location: Near the corner of Westfall Road and Clinton Avenue. Enter from Westfall Road. A Town of Brighton Park of 34 acres. 10 BRISTOL TOT LOT CARTER PARK Features a playground Features a playground, shelter, two Location: Corner of Bristol A venue softball fields, two T -ball fields, a and Cooper Road. baseball field, four tennis courts and a A Town of Irondequoit Park of 0.5 picnic area. acres. Location: 1281 Long Pond Road just south of West Ridge Road. BROWN SQUARE A Town of Greece Park of 12 acres. Featuring a playground area. Location: Northwest quadrant of the CARTERVILLE TRAIL city, bordered by Verona Street on the Features a hiking trail, biking path and "We cannot east, Brown Street on the south, Kent sitting area. Street on the west, and Jay Street on the Location: Jefferson Road at East Street command north. along the Barge Canal. Nature except A City of Rochester Park of 4.5 acres. A Town of Pittsford Park of 13 acres. by obeying her." CHARLES CARROLL PARK CALIFORNIA DRIVE PARK -Francis Bacon . Features a picnic area. Perhaps better known as Genesee Location: Corner of California Drive Crossroads Park, this urban gem features and Haviland Park. generous public seating, landscaped A Town of Greece Park of 4 acres. picnic and strolling areas along both sides of the Genesee River. Located in CAMP EASTMAN (opening 88-89) the heart of downtown Rochester, the Features four shelters, a lodge, picnic park is a favorite spot for downtown area. workers at lunchtime. The Sister Cities Location: South of 1400 Lakeshore Bridge connects the two sides of the Boulevard, east of Colebrook Drive. park, and features a display of flags from A Town of Irondequoit Park of 85 each of Rochester's international Sister acres. Cities. Location: Between Main Street and CANAL SIDE PARK Andrews Street, along the Genesee Features park benches and hiking trails. River. Location: South Union Street adjacent A City of Rochester Park of 3.5 acres. to the New York State Barge Canal A Village of Spencerport Park of 0.5 CHURCHVILLE PARK acres. Packed with recreational opportunities, Churchville Park's rolling meadow land CANAWAUGUSPARK surrounds Black Creek. Golfers can Features picnic area, canoeing, kayaking choose between an 18-hole course and a and fishing in Oatka Creek. 9-hole course, complete with clubhouse, Location: Route 251 (southern border pro shop and food concession. A car-top of village) next to Oatka Creek. boat launch offers access to Black Creek A Village of Scottsville Park of 1 acre. for canoeists and fishermen. Tennis courts, four softball fields, five soccer 11 fields, five lodges, nine picnic shelters walkers. The park also offers nine and playgrounds create active family softball fields, tennis courts, playground, "The world and community gatherings. Ice skating, fishing for children, ice skating, sledding turns softly complete with warming lodge, is and picnic areas. available in the winter months. Location: Corner of Monroe Avenue Not to spill its Location: Southwestern portion of the and Culver Road in the southeast corner lakes and county, north of Route 33 (Buffalo Road) of the city. partially within the village of Churchille A City of Rochester Park of 109 acres. rivers." and the Town of Riga. Enter from Kendall Road and Main Street. COMMUNITY PARK - Hilda Conkling A Monroe County Park of 742 acres. Features a shelter and horseshoe court Location: 6475 Buffalo Road (opposite CLARKSON TOWN PLAYGROUND American Legion Post 954). Features a playground unit with a castle, A Town of Riga Park of 5 acres. slide and tunnel. Location: Route 19 north of Route 104. CONCREST PARK A Town of Clarkson Park of 2 acres. Features a pavilion and picnic area, basketball court, and playground. Best View Around Location: West Avenue in the Village COBB'S HILL RESERVOIR PARK of East Rochester. The nucleus of Cobb's Hill Reservoir A Village of East Rochester Park of 2 Park was given to the City by George acres. Eastman and a few other generous citizens in 1905. It was developed in COPPER BEACH PARK conjunction with the city's second Features sitting area. reservoir at the top of that hill and the Location: 14 State Street in the Village still-popular Riley Lake at the base of the of Pittsford. slope. A Town of Pittsford Park of 1 acre. The crest of the park offers one of the city's finest panoramic views, and CORBETT PARK generations of photographers have Features a picnic area, tennis court and captured the downtown skyline on clear fitness trail. days-and nights. The path around the Location: Corner of Clark Street and reservoir is a favorite for runners and Smith Street in the Village of Brockport. A Village of Brockport Park of 0.5 acres.
DAVIS PARK Features two shelters, five soccer fields, six softball fields, volleyball courts and jogging trail Location: Corner of Paul Road and Andony Lane. Enter from Chestnut Ridge Road. A Town of Chili Park of 52 acres.
DENSMORE PARK Features seven soccer fields and orchard picnic area. Location: North of Norton Street on the west side of Densmore Road. A Town of Irondequoit Park of 16 acres.
DEWEY/LATTA PARK Features a playground, shelter, three softball fields, two tennis courts, two soccer fields, basketball courts, picnic area and hiking trails. Location: 1100 Latta Road. Enter from Latta Road or Dewey Avenue. A Town of Greece Park of 65 acres. Picnic with a Lake View DURAND-EASTMAN PARK With 5,000 feet of Lake Ontario waterfront, Durand Eastman Park is a favorite for summertime sun worshipers. Golfers enjoy the 18-hole course- complete with clubhouse, pro shop and food concession-and cross country skiers find hilly terrain to conquer and a welcome warming shelter. Durand-Eastman Park is considered part of the Monroe County Arboretum, m combination with Highland Park, because of its many mature plant specimens. Originally the estate of Dr. Henry Durand, the park was a gift to the city by Dr. Durand and George Eastman, who acquired some adjacent lands to increase the park's size. It was dedicated in 1909 with public ceremonies that included a dramatized Indian battle and a game of lacrosse. In addition to cross-country ski trails, the park provides hiking and bridle trails. Seven picnic shelters with tables and grills can accommodate parties of 30 to 80 people. EDMUND-LYON PARK Location: Northernmost section of the Features tennis courts, softball field City of Rochester, on the shore of Lake fitness trail, playground, basketball,court Ontario, west of Irondequoit Bay, east of "Who loves the Genesee River. Enter from Lakeshore and wading pool. Location: Main Street in the Village of a garden Boulevard off Culver Road or at St. Paul Boulevard and Kings Highway. East Rochester. finds within A Monroe County Park of 965 acres. A Village of East Rochester Park of 14 his soul acres. Life's whole." For Rainy Days, Model Train s EDGERTON PARK EGYPT PARK This urban get-away spot features a Features two tennis courts, a softball -Louise Seymour Jones field, picnic area with shelter, lighted softball field, tennis courts, a playground and horseshoe courts. running track, playground and a swimming pool. Within the Edgerton Location: Corner of Route 31 and Park Recreation Center is the Model Victor Road (north of Lollipop Farm.) Train Room, which features four model A Town of Perinton Park of 12 acres. train exhibits and a mini-museum of model railroading. The train room is The First County Park open Monday through Friday from 5 ELLISON PARK p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free for Of~icially the first Monroe County Park, children under six, 50 cents for children Ellison Park came into being when the 7- to 18-years-old and senior citizens, county in December of 1926 accepted the and $1 for adults. Guided individual gift of approximately 200 acres of land tours are available on Tuesdays and from Mr. and Mrs. Frank T. Ellison in Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (no memory of Mr. Ellison's father, advance registration necessary) and Nathaniel. Development began in spring guided group tours can be arranged by of the following year and the park was calling the center at 428-6760 on officially dedicated as the first Monroe Tues?ay, Wednesday and Thursday County Park in October of 1927. evenmgs. During the next 20 years, Ellison Park Location: West side of the City at the grew as rapidly as the entire parks corner of of Dewey A venue and Bloss system, and today's Ellison Park Street. includes 447 acres. Adjacent to the A City of Rochester Park of 30 acres. Irondequoit Bay Wetlands, the natural
13 beauty of this park springs from its ERIE CANAL HERITAGE TRAIL combination of steep hills and the level Following the New York State Barge .1/When you flood plain of Irondequoit Creek. Canal from Wayne County to Niagara A favorite spot for picnic gatherings, County, this trail park features hiking, have only two the park has five lodges with such bicycling and cross-country ski trails, as pennies left in amenities as electric stoves and well as access to boat launches near Bates the world, buy a fireplaces. Creekside Lodge is used as a Road, Fruit A venue, Brooks A venue, shelter for skaters enjoying the park's Westfall Road, Jefferson Road and loaf of bread winter ice rink. Eight more picnic Clover Street, and Marsh Road. Access to with one, and a shelters with fireplaces and grills the trail for biking and hiking is available lily with the provide good locations for family, at 65 separate points near major company and community picnics. The thoroughfares. other." park also has eight tennis courts and five Location: Along the New York State softball fields, a playground, and trails Barge Canal, beginning at the Niagara/ -Chinese proverb. for hiking, . ~orseback riding and cross Orleans County border and running to country sl GATES TOWN HALL PARK Features a lighted softball field . Location: 1605 Buffalo Road, behind Gates Town Hall. A Town of Gates Park of 5 acres. GARNSEY ROAD ARBORETUM Features a scenic area. Location: Between Wincanton Drive and Dunmow Crescent. A Town of Perinton Park of 20 acres. GARY BEIKIRCH VETERANS PARK Features four softball fields. Location: 643 Long Pond Road north of Latta Road. A Town of Greece Park of 84 acres. 14 Rolling Fields for Golfers and Skiers GEORGEB.McAVOYPARK GENESEE VALLEY PARK Features four lighted tennis courts with A favorite spot for golfers and cross practice wall, two lighted softball fields, country skiers, Genesee Valley Park is playground, a shelter with concession one of the oldest in the Monroe County area, a meeting room. Parks System. The idea for the park was Location: Corner of Winton Road conceived within the first year of the North and Empire Boulevard. Rochester Park Commission as one of A Town of Irondequoit Park of 5 acres. two major parks they would develop first. During those first planning stages, GRANDVIEW PARK the two parks were referred to as Features a picnic area, playground, "North" and "South." The "South Park" shelter, softball field, two tennis courts was named Genesee Valley Park in and a soccer field. deference to the area's Indian heritage Location: 281 Lowden Point Road off and of course its major feature, the Edgemere Drive. Genesee River. A Town of Greece Park of 5 acres. The naturally occurring rolling pastoral fields of the area were emphasized in the park's design by Frederick Law Olmsted. The 800-acre park today offers two 18- hole golf courses, complemented by a clubhouse with pro shop and food concession. Soccer fields, cricket fields, and seven softball fields provide ample opportunities for the amateur sports fans. Hiking trails and biking paths take visitors through picturesque riverside wilderness, and the park's eight picnic shelters host numerous family and community picnics. Location: Eastern bank of the Genesee River within the City of Rochester. Enter from Elmwood Avenue at Wilson Boulevard, East River Road, or Crittenden Road. A Monroe County Park featuring 800 acres. GREECE CANAL PARK GENESEE VALLEY PARK WEST Features hiking trails, picnic areas, and lodges for use between May 15 and AUTHENTIC SHEEP This city park, located on the western FOR A PASTORAL bank of the Genesee River, across from October 15. PARK Location: Western portion of the Genesee Valley Park, shares the lush Under the advice of park pastoral wilderness of its neighboring county in town of Greece, south of Route 104 (Ridge Road), north of the New York architect Frederick Law county park. Footbridges, as well as the Olmsted, the Parks Elmwood A venue Bridge, connect the State Barge Canal. Enter from Elmgrove Commission in the late two parks. Genesee Valley Park West Road. 1880s acquired a herd of offers a public swimming pool, baseball A Monroe County Park of 577 acres. sheep to crop the grass and diamond, softball fields, tennis courts, add a pastoral atmosphere GREENWOOD PARK and an ice skating rink. Canoe rentals are to Genesee Valley Park. available for those who wish to see the Features a soccer field, softball field, park from the Genesee River. Call 428- basketball court, tennis courts, 7005 for more information on canoe playground, lighted ice rink, cross rentals. country ski trails. Location: West of the Genesee River Location: Scribner Road and Embury off Elmwood Avenue. Enter the park Road, north of Bay Trail Middle School. directly opposite Plymouth Avenue A Town of Penfield Park of 20 acres. South. A City of Rochester Park of 79 acres. 15 Route 250. A Town of Penfield Park of 46 acres. HARRY ALLEN PARK Features a playground and meeting hall. Location: Allen Park and North Main Street in the Village of Honeoye Falls. A Village of Honeoye Falls Park of 2 acres. HARVESTER PARK Features a picnic area and overnight boat docking on the New York State Barge Canal. Location: Market Street adjacent to the Barge Canal. A Village of Brockport Park of 0.125 acres. The Reason for the Celebration: 100 Years Pitch the Tent; Hook Up the Trailer HIGHLAND PARK HAMLIN BEACH STATE PARK Now best known as the home of This large state park is a favorite spot for Rochester's famous Lilac Festival, campers and sunbathers, who enjoy the Highland Park has a history as colorful extensive sandy beaches along Lake as its 500 varieties of the flowering Ontario. Tent and trailer camping with shrubs. Highland is the first of electrical hookups, a trailer dump Rochester's public parks, so dedicated in station, showers, camper recreation 1888 by a Rochester Park Commission. programs, and park store provide all the Expertly designed by Frederick Law necessary conveniences for ~ camping Olmsted to seem like a natural vacation. Lifeguards supervise the occurrence of trees, shrubs and flowers, swimming beaches. A hand boat launch, Highland Park is actually a completely fishing area, picnic tables, shelters, planned-and planted-arboretum or hiking trails, nature trails, bike paths, "tree garden." playground, cross-country skiing trails, In addition to the 1200 lilac shrubs that and snowmobile trails make this a "full comprise the 22-acre springtime hillside "I would rather service" state park. display along Highland A venue, the have missed Location: On the Lake Ontario State park boasts a Japanese Maple collection, Parkway 25 miles west of Rochester. 35 varieties of sweet-smelling magnolias, Yellowstone A New York State Park of 1,223 acres. a barberry collection, a rock garden Park than ... featuring dwarf evergreens, 700 varieties Highland Park" HAMLIN TOWN HALL PARK of rhododendron, azaleas, mountain Features a basketball courts, two softball laurel and andromeda, horse chestnuts, fields, two tennis courts and a spring bulbs and wildflowers, and a -Peter Barr, playground. large number of rare trees. distinguished London Location: 1568 Lake Road in the center The pansy bed features 10,000 plants Horticulturist, 1899. of the Town of Hamlin annually designed into an oval floral A Town of Hamlin Park of 43 acres. "carpet" with a new pattern each year. The Lamberton Conservatory was HARRIS-WHALEN PARK reopened to the public in 1988 after Features a football field, four softball extensive renovations to the 1911 fields (one lighted), four lighted tennis building. Exhibits within the courts, two basketball courts, lighted conservatory change five times a year, sledding hill, cross-country ski trail, two and feature seasonal floral displays that picnic areas, two shelters, three might not otherwise survive Rochester's playgrounds and an ice skating rink. temperate climate. The Main Dome Location: Penfield Route (Route 441) protects the Tropical Forest Display, ~nd west of the corner of Penfield Road and other climate controlled rooms contam collections of exotic plants, desert plants, 16 "economic use" plants such as banana Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the and coffee trees, and house plants. The pavilion is available for rent by conservatory is open Tuesday through organizations and individuals. -"1 like trees Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m and The recently constructed Glass because they Wednesday evenings until 8 p.m. Pavilion, located near the corner of Historic Warner Castle, a castellated Highland and South A venues, with its seem more Gothic style residence that was the home interesting architectural form, brick resigned to the of Rochester attorney and newspaper patio, fountain and benches, is open to way they have editor Horatio Gates Warner, is now the the public from 8 a.m. to dusk and is also headquarters for the Garden Center of available for rent for small receptions to live than Rochester. A non-profit educational and weddings. other things Thousands of visitors descend upon organization, the Garden Center collects do." -Willa Cather and disseminates horticultural Highland Park during the annual Lilac information. Its display gardens include Festival, held in May. Rochester shows a Sunken Garden, a Shady Border, Rock off its most elegant floral finery during Garden, Courtyard Garden, Iris and the spectacular festival, which also Daylily Bed, Old-Fashioned Rose Bed, includes musical and dramatic Miniature Rose Bed, Fern Bed, and a 13th entertainment, foot races, an arts and Century Herb Garden. crafts show, and numerous other Highland Bowl, officially the John activities. Dunbar Memorial Pavilion, features an Modern-day recreational facilities at outdoor amphitheater. The site for the park include a small pond used as a summertime concerts sponsored by the winter ice-skating rink, a popular City of Rochester and featuring sledding hill and warming shelter, A MONUMENT TO THE CHILDREN Built in 1890 and dedicated to the children of Rochester, the Children's Pavilion stood on the summit of the hill near Highland Reservoir in Highland Park. Its three stories afforded a wondrous view of the southern reaches of the county, as well as a place for children to play and bands to peform. It was torn down in the 1960s because it had fallen into disrepair. A RELUCTANT BEGINNING TO ROCHESTER'S PARKS Two prominent Rochester nurserymen-George Ellwanger and Patrick Berry-provided the impetus to the beginning_ of Rochester's park system when, in 1883, they made a gift of 20 acres of their nursery grounds to the city. But the Common Council at first refused to accept the land for development into a park, citing more pressing civic needs. Despite this reluctance--a/so shown in restrictions such as $2 fines on offenders throwing balls in the streets, bathing in the river or in the canals, flying kites within the precincts, racing horses in the streets-public pressure for outdoor facilities continued to grow. When Rochesterians flocked to Niagara Falls in 1885 to witness the dedication of the country's first state park reserve, Alderman George W. Elliott took his cue to press the Common Council, using a sophisticated political argument that parkland would encourage superior residential development nearby, and thus bring more real estate taxes into the city coffers. The Ellwanger and Barry offer was resubmitted in 1887, and Mayor Cornelius R. Parsons formally accepted the 20-acre gift on January 27, 1888. Alderman Elliott made his next astute move by insisting that the parks be administered by an independent commission, thereby removing the issue from the political vagaries of the Council. The commission chose as its president Dr. Edward Matt Moore, and the Rochester Park System was born. Celebrated landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted-who designed New York City's Central Park, the first urban public park in America specifically designed for that purpose-was retained to design Highland Park. Accurately predicting that "some day persons will make it a point to stop off at Rochester to visit your parks," Olmsted went on to design Genesee Valley Park, Seneca Park, and Maplewood Park. 17 hiking paths, and a softball field. Bay, north of Empire Boulevard and east Location: Southern edge of city of of the Seabreeze Expressway, in the UPluck a daisy Rochester, borders Highland A venue. town of Irondequoit. here-elsewhere Enter park from South Goodman Street, Monroe County Parks of 182 acres Highland A venue, or Mt. Hope A venue. (East) and 147 acres (West). in the universe A Monroe County Park of 150 acres. a great star IRONDEQUOIT CREEK TRAIL HOPKINS PARK Features a hiking trail. trembles." Features two softball fields. Location: 230 Thornell Road (trail runs Location: 5 Baker Road on the corner from Thornell Road to Powder Mill -Robert Phillips of Mendon Center Road and Baker Road. Park). A Town of Pittsford Park of 10 acres. A Town of Pittsford Park of 28 acres. HUBBARD PARK IRONDEQUOIT TOWN. HALL PARK Features a playground area, softball Features two horseshoe pits, field, basketball court and picnic area shuffleboard and picnic tables. Location: Corner of Union Street and Location: Corner of Titus Avenue and Buffalo Road in North Chili. Kings Highway. A Town of Chili Park of 3 acres. A Town of Irondequoit Park of 20 acres. IRONDEQUOIT BAY MARINE PARK This boat launch and fishing area IRVING R. KENT PARK provide public access to the beautiful Features four softball fields. waters of Irondequoit Bay. Location: Schlegel Road near Basket Location: End of Route 590 North. Road. A New York State Park of 25 acres. A Town of Webster Park of 85 acres. IRONDEQUOIT BAY PARKS EAST ISAAC GORDON NATURE PARK AND WEST Features hiking and cross-country ski These two parks are located on opposite trails and a picnic area. sides of the Irondequoit Bay. Both offer Location: 3450 Clover Street in hiking and access to the Irondequoit Bay southern part of Town of Pittsford. shoreline for fishing. Irondequoit Bay A Town of Pittsford Park of 103 acres. Park West is in the Town of Irondequoit, JOHNSON PARK Features a shelter with fireplace, two softball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, ice skating rink and playground. Location: Browns Avenue in the center of the Village of Scottsville. A Village of Scottsville Park of 9 acres. KREAG ROAD PARK Features two lighted tennis courts, two softball fields (one lighted), playground, two shuffleboard courts, picnic area, shelter, ice rink and horseshoe courts. Location: 555 Kreag Road A Town of Perinton Park of 9 acres. LEHIGH VALLEY TRAIL PARK The Lehigh Valley Trail will eventually and also includes a car-top boat launch. run across Monroe County along the Irondequoit Bay Park East is in the Town path of the Lehigh Valley Railroad of Penfield. abandoned "right of way." The park Location: Irondequoit Bay Park East is now offers pedestrian and bike paths as on the southeastern shoreline of well as fishing on Honeoye Creek and Irondequoit Bay within the town of the Genesee River. Penfield. Enter from Smith Road off Location: Southern portion of the Empire Boulevard. county in the towns of Mendon, Irondequoit Bay Park West is on the Henrietta and Rush, south and west of southwestern shore of of Irondequoit 18 Mendon Ponds Park. A Monroe County Park of 387.4 acres. LINCOLN A VENUE MAPLEWOOD PARK COMMUNITY CENTER Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Features a gymnasium, meeting and this park along the Genesee River once recreational program rooms, one was the home of a bandstand that hosted multipurpose field, a softball field and hundreds of musical performances every playground. summer. Location: 35 Lincoln Avenue between The park offers ice skating, tennis Sutherland Street and Main Street. courts, hiking trails and bike paths. A Town of Pittsford Park. Location: West side of the city. Enter at Driving Park A venue and Lake A venue. LINEAR PARK A City of Rochester Park of 144 acres. Features a nature trail along Irondequoit Creek, a picnic area, shelter and Take Time To Smell the Roses playground. MAPLEWOOD ROSE GARDEN PARK Location: Corner of Route 441 and The heady, intoxicating scent of roses Washington Street. fills the air around Maplewood Rose A Town of Penfield Park of 18 acres. Garden Park throughout most of the summer monts. The approximately 3,500 LIONS PARK roses that bloom in the park represent Features a softball field, soccer field, four 250 varieties, including hybrid tea roses, tennis courts, a shelter, four picnic grills, and smaller collections of grandifloras, playground and fishing pond. hybrid perpetuals, florabunda and shrub "Flowers have Location: 2080 Kentucky Avenue roses. Peak blooming time usually occurs an expression of (north of Route 31 off Long Pond Road). around the third week of June, and A Town of Gates Park of 8 acres. flowering continues through the first countenance as frost. much as men or LOCK NO. 32 ERIE CANAL TRAIL Location: West of the Genesee River, Features hiking and biking trail with within the City of Rochester, on the animals. Some scenic view of historic Erie Canal lock. corner of Driving Park and Lake seem to smile, Location: French Road near Clover Avenues. some have a sad Street. A Monroe County Park of 14 acres. A Town of Pittsford Park. expression, MEMORIAL PARK some are LOWER FALLS PARK Features a lighted soccer field, four pensive and Overlooking the Lower Falls on the softball fields, two baseball fields, Genesee River, this small park offers a playground, tennis courts and picnic diffident, others beautiful scenic vista, forever preserved. area. again are plain, Location: On the west bank of the Location: 3235 Chili Avenue, behind honest and Genesee River, within the City of Chili Town Hall. Rochester. Enter from Driving Park A Town of Chili Park of 7 acres. upright." Avenue. A Monroe County Park of 3 acres. MEMORIAL PARK - Henry Ward Beecher Features three softball fields, two soccer MANHATTAN SQUARE PARK fields, a shelter with tables, four picnic "How does it stay up?" is the question grills, playground and fishing pond. children ask their parents when they first Location: 150 Spencerport Road, see Manhattan Square Park's "space behind St. Theodore's Church. frame," a construction of metal tubing A Town of Gates Park of 41 acres. above the park's sunken performance area. A favorite summer spot for An Ice Age Creation concerts and dancing, the park includes MENDON PONDS PARK a wading pool for tots, a playground, The abundance of recreational facilities tennis courts and a restaurant. The at Mendon Ponds almost obscures the summer basketball court becomes a fact that this is a living natural history winter ice skating rink that's a favorite museum of glacial geology. Because of lunchtime get-away for downtown these unique geological formations, workers. Mendon Ponds was named to the Location: Within downtown National Registry of Natural Landmarks Rochester, on the corner of Court and in 1969. Chestnut Streets. Many of the "ponds" that give the A City of Rochester Park of 4.5 acres. park its name are really "kettles," 19 roughly circular depressions left behind the park. by melting ice blocks that broke apart Location: Southeastern portion of the "I think that I from retreating glacial ice sheets. county, in the towns of Pittsford and shall never see "Devil's Bathtub" is the most prominent Mendon, east of Route 65 (Clover Street) and well known of the kettles. Round and south of the New York State A poem lovely Pond and Lost Pound are also water Thruway. Enter from Route 65 or as a tree." filled kettles. Pittsford-Mendon Center Road. Most of the glacial formations found in A Monroe County Park of 2,514 acres. -Joyce Kilmer the park are the result of the melting of the Wisconsin ice sheet, the last of four MENDON SPORTS PARK major sheets to expand and retreat in the Features two tennis courts and a softball past two to three million years. "Kames" field. are conical hills of rock and rubble that Location: Semmel Road next to the were left behind by rivers that flowed Town of Mendon Highway Garage. across the melting ice sheet and into the A Town of Mendon Park of 6 acres. glacial lake at the edges, carrying rock and dirt with them. MILTON R. CHASE MEMORIAL "Eskers" are low, snaking ridges of PARK rubble formed when a river bored a hole Features wooded nature trails. through the melting ice sheet and flowed Location: South of Ridge Road off under the sheet in a winding tunnel. Sherwood Street in the Village of The park's Nature Center provides Webster. maps and displays of the glacial A Village of Webster Park of 14 acres. formations to guide visitors in search of these ancient landmarks. Ironically, Everything from Sheep to Skiing Mendon Ponds Park's glacial geology is NORTHAMPTON PARK best appreciated in fall, winter and early Many a fledgling downhill racer began spring, when foliage does not hide the his or her passion for the sport at the features. rope tow at Northampton Park. The This largest of the county parks is also County Parks Department has contracted filled with recreational opportunities and with Bristol Mountain ski resort to activities. Hiking, bridle and cross operate a downhill ski school at country ski areas crisscross the park. A Northampton Park. Call637-2345 for supervised swimming area with more information on the program. bathhouse is found at Hundred Acre One of the newer additions to the Pond. Fishing areas and a boat launch county parks system, Northampton Park (motorized boats not permitted), seven also attracts the slightly less adventurous picnic shelters, many picnic areas, two winter visitor with sledding hills, cross softball fields, five lodges, playgrounds, country ski trails and a warming shelter. and a group camping area (which Hiking and bridle trails also crisscross requires a special permit) are all within the large park. A playground, two softball fields, and two lodges also are found at Northampton. Group camping is possible with a special permit. Springdale Farm is an educational farm, operated by the county parks department, within Northampton Park. A perfect spot for kids to learn about farming, Springdale Farm houses dairy and beef cattle, pigs and sheep, dairy goats, geese, chickens, ducks, and turkeys. Demonstration vegetable and herb gardens, pastures, field crops and the fruit orchard offer a diversity of farming activities. The farm is open year round from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Admission is free and group tours can be scheduled. Call352- 5320 for more information. Location: Western Portion of the county, in towns of Sweden and Ogden, 20 south of Route 31 (Spencerport Road) and west of Route 36 (Washington I Street). Enter from Colby Street, Salmon ·1 Creek Road and Route 31, Hubbell Road, I I ' . ' I Sweden-Walker Road or Route 36 I (Washington Street). A Monroe County Park of 973 acres. NORTH PONDS PARK Features bike paths, boating area, fishing area, jogging and hiking trails, picnic area and swimming. Location: Route 104 East between Holt Road and North A venue. A Town of Webster Park of 55 acres. NORTHSIDE PARK Features a picnic shelter and area, basketball court, wading pool and playground. Location: Garfield A venue in the all that's necessary for a perfect summer Village of East Rochester. day at the beach. An ice skating rink A Village of East Rochester Park of rounds out the park's all-season THE CONEY ISLAND 0.75 acres. activities. OF ROCHESTER Location: Northwest corner of the City Ontario Beach Park was a OATKA CREEK PARK of Rochester on the shore of Lake true "hot spof around the Fly casting only is the rule for trout Ontario. Enter from Lake or Beach turn of the century, when fishers seeking to harvest the rich waters Avenues. tens of thousands of of Oatka Creek. The park offers hiking A Monroe County Park of 39 acres. Rochesterians flocked to the and cross-country skiing, a lodge and a beach on summer days. A group camping area, available for use water slide, elephant shows, PARDEE TOT LOT concerts, beach hotels, the with a special permit. Features a playground. pier and the boardwalk Location: Southern portion of the Location: Pardee Road, opposite lured many to the beach, county in the town of Wheatland, south Meadowcroft Road. only a S-cent trolley ride of Route 383 (Scottsville Road) and west A Town of Irondequoit Park of 0.5 away from the city. of Union Street (County Road 170). Enter acres. from Union Street and Steward Road. A Monroe County Park of 461 acres. PARK ROAD TENNIS COURTS Features two tennis courts. Surf's Up Location: Park Road School, 50 Park ONTARIO BEACH PARK Road. This popular park contains one of the A Town of Pittsford Park of 0.5 acres. Great Lakes' best natural sand beaches, which is several hundred feet in depth PARMA TOWN PARK and covers more than one-half mile of Features a picnic area. frontage along Lake Ontario. Supervised Location: Corner of Ridge Road West swimming is offered each day from June and Route 259 next to Ogden-Parma Fire through Labor Day, from 10:30 a.m. to Hall. dusk. A Town of Parma Park of 0.25 acres. The 1905 Dentzel menagerie carousel, urn every now being restored to its original PARMA TOWN HALL PARK outthrust splendor, provides a turn-of-the-century Features a picnic shelter, picnic area, flavor to the park, which also includes a soccer field and softball field . headland, in performance pavilion that often features Location: Parma Town Hall at 1300 every curving the County Parks Band. A year-round Hilton-Parma Corners Road. beach, in every public boat launch, as well as the lighted A Town of Parma Park of 15 acres. fishing pier, attract record numbers of grain of sand fishermen and pleasure boaters. The pier PENFIELD TOWN HALL PARK there is a story is also a favorite spot for a romantic and Features five Little League baseball picturesque stroll. Soccer and softball fields, four softball fields, concession of the earth." fields, six picnic shelters, volleyball stand and playground. courts, a food concession, a bathhouse Location: 3100 Altantic Avenue at - Rachel Carson and the parade of boats that enter Lake Jackson Road. A Town of Penfield Park of 50 acres. Ontario from the Genesee River provide 21 PERINTON PARK be arranged with advance notice. Features six lighted tennis courts, picnic Fishing, with a New York State license, If 'tweren't for area, shelters, bocce courts, canoe launch, is allowed in Irondequoit Creek. playground and fishing area. Powder Mills also features downhill sight and sound Location: Fairport Road at O'Connor skiing at the beginners and intermediate and smell, Road. levels, complete with snow-making, I'd like the city A Town of Perinton Park of 7 acres. lessons and equipment rental provided by Bristol Mountain. A rope tow is pretty well, PINEWAY PONDS PARK maintained. Open skiing is held on But when it Features three softball fields, three soccer Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. and during comes to getting fields, a picnic shelter and playground. school holidays. The lift ticket charge is Location: Route 259, 1/4 mile north of $3. For more information about lessons rest, the Village of Spencerport. and rentals, call 248-2777. I like the A Town of Ogden Park of 66 acres. The park also offers four tennis courts, country lots the picnic areas with tables and grills, PORT OF PITTSFORD PARK playgrounds, five shelters, seven lodges, best." Features a sitting area, boat dock, trails for ~iking and cross-country skiing, electrical service and fishing area. a sledding hill and a warming shelter. -Nixon Waterman Location: 22 North Main Street in the Location: Southern portion of the Village of Pittsford. County, southeast of Rochester in the A Town of Pittsford Park of 2 acres. Town of Perinton. Enter from Route 96 south of Bushnell's Basin near Interstate POTTER PARK 490 Exit. Features two lighted tennis courts, A Monroe County Park of 380 acres. playground, shuffleboard courts, multi use areas, basketball court, athletic RIDGE WEBSTER PARK Features three soccer fields, two softball fields and playground. Location: Van Ingen Drive (behind Webster Library) north of Ridge Road. A Town of Webster Park of 48 acres. RUDMAN ROAD PARK Features a softball field and playground. Location: Rudman Road at the end of Brandon Road. A Town of Irondequoit Park of 1.5 acres. SAWYER PARK Features a playground, two shelters, picnic area and hiking trails. Location: 732 Long Pond Road south fields, two ice skating rinks, one used for of Latta Road. hockey. A Town of Greece Park of 10 acres. Location: Corner of West Church Street and Potter Place in the Village of SCHANTZ VILLAGE MANOR PARK Fairport. Features tennis courts, ice skating rink, A Village of Fairport Park of 10 acres. softball field and playground. Location: End of Holly Drive at Home of the Fish Hatchery Southwick Drive. POWDER MILLS PARK A Village of Webster Park of 4 acres. Featuring diverse topography that ranges from steep hillsides to flat Lions and Tigers and Bears creekside meadows and swamp lands, SENECA PARK Powder Mills Park is the site of the Originally North Park, this three-mile popular fish hatchery. Approximately preserve of forested river gorge was 12,000 trout are raised in the hatchery renamed Seneca (which means "stone") each year, and released into Irondequoit to recognize its Indian heritage as well as Creek when grown. The hatchery is open the deeply cut stone in the river gorge. to the public Monday through Sunday Another of Frederick Law Olmsted's from 8 a.m. to dusk, and specialized works of living art, the park includes 22 tours, demonstrations and lectures can Trout Lake, created by damming a natural spring. Swan boats carried SPEZIO PARK visitors around the lake until1922, Features two tennis courts and a propelled by drivers who pedaled the playground. boats like bicycles. Location: St. Paul Boulevard between Today, Seneca Park is best known as Beach Terrace and Wabash Avenue. the home of the Seneca Park Zoo, created A Town of Irondequoit Park of 0.33 in 1894. The zoo now houses more than acres. 600 animals, representing almost 200 species. The roar of lions, the majesty of SPRING LAKE PARK massive polar bears, the grace of Features two softball fields, playground, elephants and the playfulness of the picnic area and fishing area. "When the oak orangutan have drawn Monroe County Location: Corner of West Whitney is felled the parents and children to the zoo for many Road and the Linden A venue bridge. a memory-filled afternoon. A Town of Perinton Park of 59 acres. whole forest The zoo is open every day of the year echoes with its from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for STONEYBROOK ROAD PARK fall, but a summer weekends and holidays, when Features tennis courts, pond, softball closing is extended to 7 p.m. Admission field, soccer field and ice skating rink. hundred acorns is free Monday through Friday from 10 Location: Stoneybrook Road in the are sown tn a.m. to noon, with a $1 adult fee and 50- Town of Rush. cent children's fee on afternoons, A Town of Rush Park of 20 acres. silence by an weekends and holidays. Parking is free unnoticed and guided tours are available by prior THE COMMON breeze." arrangement. Call the Seneca Zoological Features picnic benches and flower Society office at 342-2744 for more gardens. information on tours, and 266-6591 for Location: The center of the hamlet of -Thomas Carlyle general park information. Rush. Seneca Park itself also features picnic A Town of Rush Park of 1 acre. areas, hiking trails, open fields and a public swimming pool. The spectacular THORNELL FARM PARK views of the Genesee River are Features four softball fields, three multi complemented by the good chance that purpose fields, four lighted tennis courts, visitors will encounter deer chipmunks, one lighted ball wall, ice skating rink, hawks, ducks and songbirds as they playground, hiking and jogging trails walk along the park's trails. and sledding hill. Location: Eastern bank of Genesee Location: 480 Pittsford-Mendon Road River in the northern portion of (Route 64) just south of Pittsford Rochester. Enter from St. Paul Street just Mendon High School. north of Route 104. A Town of Pittsford Park of 27 acres. A Monroe County Park of 297 acres. SENECA PARK ON A SUNDAY Created in 1894, Seneca Park was a favorite spot for Sunday strollers. The park was formed to preserve three miles of forested river gorge. Each spring, Rochester children of the 1920s performed the traditional dance around the park's Maypole. 23 TRYON PARK campers. Thirty-seven sites are available Features hiking and scenic view of for use as family campgrounds. Five ul have never preserved Irondequoit Bay shoreline. lodges and eight shelters, four tennis found the Location: western shore of Irondequoit courts, picnic tables and grills, baseball Bay within the City of Rochester. Enter and soccer fields, hiking and cross companion that from Tryon Park Road. country ski trails round out the park's was as A Monroe County Park of 82 acres. features. Location: Northeastern portion of the companionable TRYON PARK WEST county on the shore of Lake Ontario, as solitude." Features softball fields, tennis courts, west of Route 250 in the Town of and picnic areas. Webster. Enter from Lake Road or Holt -Joseph Addison Location: East side of the city. Enter Road. from Winton Road or Edmonton Road. A Monroe County Park of 550 acres. A City of Rochester Park of 82 acres. WEGMAN ROAD PARK TURNING POINT PARK Features four tennis courts, a shelter, At the "turning point" of the Genesee playground and picnic grills. River, this park features a car-top boat Location: 550 Wegman Road launch, hiking trails and access to the A Town of Gates Park of 2 acres. Genesee River for fishing. Location: West side of the city, off WESTGATE RECREATION Lake Avenue, at the end of Boxart Street. Features two softball fields, four tennis A City of Rochester Park of 100 acres. courts, ice skating rink, shelter with tables, four picnic grills, playground, UPPER FALLS TERRACE PARK regulation bocce court and volleyball A scenic spot that includes the Pont de court. Rennes bridge that overlooks the Upper Location: 1480 Howard Road behind Falls of the Genesee River. Biking paths Westgate Plaza. are also a feature A Town of Gates Park of 10 acres. Location: North of the inner loop on the west side of St. Paul Street. WETLAND AREA A City of Rochester Park of 5 acres. This expanse of valuable wetland area south of Irondequoit Bay has been VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK forever preserved as a county park. Features three softball fields, two soccer Visitors to the area enjoy hiking, fields, two basketball courts, two tennis canoeing, fishing, and the wildlife courts, cabin, shelter, picnic areas and surprises offered by wetland. grills Location: South of Irondequoit Bay. Location: Calkins Road next to the Enter from Empire Boulevard. Henrietta Town Hall. A Monroe County Park of 307 acres. A Town of Henrietta Park of 30 acres. WILMORITE PARK VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK Features tennis court, ice skating rink, Features a picnic area and fishing access softball field and playground. to Honeoye Creek. Location: Seneca Street in the Village Location: East Henrietta Road (Route of Webster. 15A) in the hamlet of Rush A Village of Webster Park of 4 acres. A Town of Rush Park of 1 acre. WINTON TOT LOT End the Day with Roasted Marshmallows Features a playground. WEBSTER PARK Location: Corner of Culver Road and Located entirely within the Town of Winton Road Webster, this park of rolling lakeshore A Town of Irondequoit Park of 0.33 meadows and woodlands includes acres. several waterfront areas along Lake Ontario and a fishing pier. A popular YOLANDA PARK overnight camping spot for youth and Features a picnic area, playground and scout groups, Webster Park has five soccer field. cabins that can accommodate 30 to 35 Location: End of Yolanda Drive, north of Chestnut Ridge Road. A Town of Chili Park of 2 acres. 24 This page is blanl<. Published by Monroe County in celebration of the Rochester Parks Centennial