The key takeaways outlined below come from a discovery phase that involved on-site observations, public engagement, historical research, and previous technical assessments. The findings are organized around five core themes: Ecology, Programming, Connectivity, Equity, and Heritage. These themes guided the research, community input, and initial site analysis. The insights gained will help shape the design and future development of the park.
Ecology
The High Falls State Park site offers a dynamic blend of industrial history and urban nature.
Geological Evolution and Climate Adaptation
Geological events have significantly influenced the evolution of the Genesee River. The river threads through a series of ecoregions and carries seeds downstream, fostering a unique example of natural climate adaptation.
Dynamic Strata and Ecosystem
Sedimentary strata structure the dynamic landscape of changing elevations and shifting rock textures along the gorge. Because of this stratification, historic site ecology may have differed substantially from reference sites upstream and downstream. Ecosystems along the river can be drastically different because of the changing strata and soil character.
Industrial Soil Impact
Before European settlement, the area was richly forested, with floodplains often used for agriculture by the Seneca people. Contemporary site soils are more heavily influenced by past industrial use and ongoing remediation.
Urban Biodiversity
Even though the site was heavily occupied by industry in an urban environment, a diverse palette of pioneering species can be observed on and around the site. Areas not currently used or accessed provide a refuge for some species.
Microclimates
The western half of the site is dominated by northern and eastern exposures, while the eastern half has more southern and western exposures: this will affect plant communities as well as seasonal programming and comfort.
Heritage
The High Falls State Park site is a gem along the Genesee River with rich histories and heritage.
It Starts with the River
The site’s rich history and contemporary allure stem from the Genesee River and the Falls. Programming and interpretation should begin with these elements and be specific and appropriate to the site.
Seneca Heritage
High Falls is significant to the Seneca People, and offers opportunities for highlighting the historic and ongoing relationship of the Seneca to the Genesee River and native ecologies.
Olmsted’s Legacy
Rochester is one of the few cities in the U.S. with a park system envisioned by Frederick Law Olmsted, widely regarded as the father of American landscape architecture. His plans emphasized public health, social connection, and access to nature—principles that continue to shape how cities think about public space. Though not formally part of Olmsted’s system, High Falls State Park builds on that legacy, reinforcing the idea that parks can reflect a city’s values and contribute to its cultural identity.
Industrial Legacy & Urban Park
High Falls is situated between a large scenic park and a downtown urban riverfront. This location sets the stage for High Falls to be a transitional and transformational part of the city and park system. The site features industrial relics from multiple eras, providing unique opportunities for storytelling and interpretation.
Equity
Universal design, equitable access, and recognition of many cultural heritages should be part of the planning and design process.
Environmental Justice
Environmental justice indices show that Rochester is in the upper percentiles of minority and low-income residents, highlighting the need for equitable planning and investment in public spaces. These disparities can be addressed by creating accessible, safe, and welcoming spaces that foster community well-being and environmental health.
Connecting Neighborhoods
Many neighborhoods are still experiencing the aftermath of historic redlining. Immediately adjacent neighborhoods are more sparsely populated than those ¼ miles away. Enhancing connections between these neighborhoods and the park can help bridge these divides and provide equitable access to green spaces.
Residents with Disabilities and Universal Access
Rochester has an above-average number of disabled residents. The presence of the National Institute for the Deaf, due to the large concentration of deaf residents, underscores the importance of inclusive design features like visual wayfinding, sign language interpretation, and assistive technologies to ensure full participation for all.
Economic Opportunity
High Falls State Park will act as an economic catalyst, helping to support local businesses and community growth.
Connectivity
Access to the park requires coordination with many adjacent projects, particularly the extension of the Genesee River Trail through the Inner Loop North project.
Public Priority
Safe, inclusive access was a consistent theme in stakeholder and community engagement.
Transit Access
Rochester’s bus lines all converge on the downtown transit hub. Creating stronger, safer connections to downtown is therefore essential to improving the site’s accessibility for local visitors – along with improved service frequency.
Trail Connections
Rochester sits at the crossroads of a major regional trail network. The site is an essential and currently missing link in the Genesee River Trail. Creating an intuitive downtown connection through the Inner Loop North project will be essential to realizing the potential of this trail linkage.
Traffic Safety
The perimeter of the site offers easy access by car, but Rochester has a high rate of crashes and the surrounding streets have been the location of multiple serious or fatal collisions. Improved traffic safety will be important for providing equitable access and encouraging active transportation.
Parking
In addition to the High Falls garage, other existing surface and structured parking facilities could serve the park with parking options outside the gorge.
Programming
The site offers extraordinary opportunities for recreation, ecological stewardship, organized by the site’s dramatic topography, the Genesee River, and the Falls themselves.
Olmsted’s Influence
Frederick Law Olmsted designed parks to serve many purposes. They were places for city-wide gatherings and neighborhood events, for quiet walks and active play, and for learning about the natural world. Rochester’s park system reflects that vision, and High Falls State Park can continue in that tradition. Its programming can connect people to nature, support community events of all scales, and contribute to a healthy, vibrant urban life.
Community
The project can be the home of versatile spaces promoting a welcoming atmosphere, provide a direct connection with nature, and accommodate a range of activities serving the local community and park visitors alike.
Synergies with Adjacent Projects
Multiple projects and initiatives connect to High Falls State Park, creating an opportunity for greater impact, but also demanding ongoing coordination.
Park Management
Coordination with parcel owners will be essential to High Falls State Park planning, operations, and management.