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.
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GENESEE VALLEY PARK TICKETS
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History
The park was formed from land first acquired by the Park Commission in
1888 [1]. 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.
[2] [3]
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.
[4]
The Barge (Erie) Canal was merged with Genesee River within the park on May 10,
1918.
[5]
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.