The creation of a new State Park centered around the iconic High Falls and the Genesee River in the heart of downtown Rochester is underway. Originally announced by Governor Kathy Hochul as part of the ROC the Riverway initiative, this park will be transformative in revitalizing this historic area. The proposed 40-acre park will provide public access to the land surrounding this unique natural environment set mostly within the context of the river, gorge, waterfalls, and surrounding lively and culturally rich urban backdrop. The site’s unique location and industrial history provides many story-telling and educational opportunities to enhance the visitor experience. Remediation efforts are well underway and will continue to progress over the next 1-5 years allowing for the phased construction of the park and the welcoming of the public to this awe-inspiring space.
Vision Statement
High Falls State Park is an oasis of natural beauty in the heart of Rochester that connects communities and visitors with the awe-inspiring Genesee River gorge and waterfall, as well as the city’s rich ecological, cultural, and industrial history.
Park Themes
Ecology
Goal: Re-establish an ecological foundation for immersive nature experiences in the city.
Equity
Goal: Express equity in access, engagement, design, and cultural interpretation.
Programming
Goal: Provide recreational and educational opportunities that take advantage of the site’s dramatic setting and history.
Connectivity
Goal: Connect the park seamlessly with Downtown, adjacent neighborhoods, and the Genesee River corridor.
Heritage
Goal: Honor the Genesee River’s cultural significance and Rochester’s rich industrial heritage.
In addressing these themes, High Falls State Park will advance the mission of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.
How We Got Here
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February 2018
ROC the Riverway
ROC the Riverway initiative is launched by NYS and the City of Rochester to revitalize the downtown Genesee River waterfront. Thirteen projects are funded by an initial $50M NYS commitment. The vision plan includes a state park at High Falls as a future project.
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January 2022
Governor Hochul Announces New High Falls State Park
NYS Governor Kathy Hochul announces the intention to create a new state park at High Falls with $8M in initial funding to begin planning.
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March 2022
Initial Concept Plan Released
Initial concept plan and potential renderings of the proposed High Falls State Park presented to the public.
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May 2023
Brewery Line Trail Improvements
Improvements are completed to the former rail trail along the eastern edge of the High Falls gorge running to the Genesee Brewery, one of the original ROC the Riverway projects.
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July 2023
Pont de Rennes Bridge Improvements
The Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge over the High Falls gorge closes for construction and improvements, scheduled to re-open by the end of 2024.
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August 2023
Site Cleanup Begins
RG&E begins remediation to clean up the land on the west side of the gorge, near the base of High Falls, at the site of the former Beebee Station.
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May 2024
Community Partnership
Greentopia and the Community Design Center led a High Falls State Park Leadership Breakfast and Design Workshop. Greentopia and Genesee Land Trust report all findings, in addition to a survey and video for the future park.
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August 2024
Design Team Selected
ESD and State Parks select the OLIN team to spearhead High Falls State Park planning and design with a team of professional partners.
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November 13, 2024
Public Open House
OLIN, ESD, and State Parks hosted an open house on November 13, 2024 from 4-7pm at Monroe Community College’s downtown campus. The community heard updates on the planning process and had the opportunity to share their input with the team.
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November 17, 2024
Genesee Land Trust River Focus Forum
Genesee Land Trust and the City of Rochester hosted a forum at the Edgerton Rec Center with presentations about various river projects in progress or under consideration.
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December 6, 2024
Pont de Rennes Ribbon Cutting
The High Falls project team popped up at the ribbon cutting to share information and build awareness about High Falls State Park and to listen and gather feedback.
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February 20, 2025
Edgerton R-Center Pop-Up
The design team used display models to gather input from community members, passed out postcards with the project information, and encouraged people to sign up for project updates.
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February 20, 2025
Edgerton Neighborhood Association Meeting
State Parks and the design team presented and tabled at the neighborhood association’s regularly scheduled meeting.
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March 1, 2025
Festival of Inclusion
The design team attended the Festival of Inclusion, an annual Rochester tradition devoted to accessibility, connection, and fun, to gather input from community members, pass out postcards with the project information, and encourage people to sign up for project updates.
Get Involved!
Be part of the High Falls State Park process!
Stop by a Pop-Up
May
WED
28
Genesee River Basin Summit: “Emerging Issues”
8:00–4:00pm
Click here for the agenda and to register
RIT Inn and Conference Center
5257 W Henrietta Rd
Henrietta, NY 14467
June
FRI
6
August
FRI
15