Genesee Valley Park

Genesee Valley Park is located south of Rochester, New York along the shores of the Genesee River. The New York State Barge Canal (the currently in use portion of the Erie Canal) crosses the Genesee River within the park. The University of Rochester is located near the park's north entrance.

History

The park was formed from land first acquired by the Park Commission in 1888 [ [http://www.vintageviews.org/vv-r/parks/genesee_valley.html Genesee Valley Park ] ] . Genesee Valley Park is among the many parks in New York state designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Within Rochester, other Frederick Law Olmsted parks include Highland Park and Seneca Park. [ [http://www.landmarksociety.org/section.html?id=1&uid=53 Preservation ] ] cite journal |last=Wickes |first=Majorie |coauthors= Tim O'Connell |year=1988 |month=April |title=The Legacy of Frederick Law Olmstead |journal=Rochester History |volume=L |issue=2 | publisher=Rochester Public Library | issn =0035-7413 |url=http://www.rochester.lib.ny.us/~rochhist/v50_1988/v50i2.pdf |accessdate=2007-12-29|format=PDF ]

Olmtead had originally designed the east and west sides of the park to have different purposes. The east side was intended to provide the feeling of a large pastor while the west side was for more recreational activities. At Olmstead's suggestion, a flock of 80 sheep was introduced into the park in 1893, which added to the pastoral sense of the park and also helped to keep the grass trimmed.

In 1917, the golfcourse was expanded from 9 to 18 holes. [citation |journal=New York Times |date=May 4, 1917 |title= New Links at Rochester |url=http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9F00E4DF123AE433A25757C0A9639C946696D6CF&oref=slogin |accessdate=2008-06-21]

The Barge (Erie) Canal was merged with Genesee River within the park on May 10, 1918. [citation |journal = New York Times |date =May 11, 1918 |title=Barge Canal Open from End to End |url=http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9405E7DE163EE433A25752C1A9639C946996D6CF|accessdate=2008-06-21]

With the opening of Genesee Expressway (now part of Interstate 390), the park was bisected straining the original pastoral atmosphere.

Features

The park currently features two public golf courses and a recreational area. The park has four foot bridges crossing the Genesee River and Erie Canal.

Trails

The park is located at the intersection of the Genesee Valley Greenway trail and the Erie Canal towpath trail which stretch across New York State.

External links

* http://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-geneseevalley.php

References