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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.

Objectives:

  • Protect local wildlife and existing plant communities of value
  • Restore site soils and site-appropriate native habitats 
  • Consider aesthetic and cultural dimensions of ecological restoration
  • Establish education programs focusing on ecology and native plants
  • Foster partnerships with local organizations and schools to support environmental education.
  • Implement sustainable practices, including reduced carbon in both construction and operations.

Equity

Goal: Express equity in access, engagement, design, and cultural interpretation.

Objectives:

  • Ensure access to the Genesee River and natural areas for all residents.
  • Support park access for adjacent neighborhoods.
  • Promote appreciation of the river’s history and natural resources.
  • Improve accessibility for all individuals and implement universal design principles.
  • Coordinate with the City of Rochester on equitable development policies.

Programming

Goal: Provide recreational and educational opportunities that take advantage of the site’s dramatic setting and history.

Objectives:

  • Balance programmed spaces and natural areas.
  • Develop facilities for outdoor recreation and education.
  • Create spaces for individualized and group activities.
  • Support public concerts and activities, including story sharing and cultural events.
  • Make the park a year-round cultural center.
  • Ensure safety at night.
  • Consider some revenue-generating program while maintaining a majority of free, accessible activities.

Connectivity

Goal: Connect the park seamlessly with Downtown, adjacent neighborhoods, and the Genesee River corridor.

Objectives:

  • Enhance pedestrian paths and connections from local neighborhoods and downtown to the park.
  • Integrate biking and walking trails to Lake Ontario.
  • Centralize parking outside the park and provide public transit access to the park.
  • Encourage car-free visits.
  • Create a sense of arrival to the park. 
  • Create multiple connections between the City and the gorge. 
  • Build a pedestrian bridge to connect both sides of the park over the river in the lower gorge.
  • Improve signage for all ages and promote the park’s significance in the regional trail system.

Heritage

Goal: Honor the Genesee River’s cultural significance and Rochester’s rich industrial heritage.

Objectives:

  • Honor and make visible the cultural history of the Genesee River. 
  • Retain remaining historic relics. 
  • Interpret the site’s industrial legacy.
  • Acknowledge Rochester’s history of innovation. 
  • Highlight advances in energy production.
  • Partner with local organizations on interpretation and messaging.
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