- Genesee Valley Park
Genesee Valley Park is located south of
Rochester, New York along the shores of theGenesee River . The New York State Barge Canal (the currently in use portion of theErie Canal ) crosses the Genesee River within the park. TheUniversity 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 byFrederick 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 theErie Canal towpath trail which stretch across New York State.External links
* http://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-geneseevalley.php
References
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