Genesee Valley Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Genesee Valley Park |
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Genesee Valley Park's picnic area
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| Type | Regional park |
| Location | South side of Rochester, New York |
| Area | 800 acres (3.2 km2) |
| Created | 1888 |
| Operated by | Monroe County Parks Department |
Genesee Valley Park, once called "South Park," is a large park in Rochester, New York. It sits right by the Genesee River. A cool thing about the park is that the New York State Barge Canal, which is part of the famous Erie Canal, actually crosses the Genesee River right inside the park! The University of Rochester is also very close to the park's northern side.
Park History
Genesee Valley Park was created from land bought in 1888. This park is one of many in New York designed by a famous landscape architect named Frederick Law Olmsted. He also designed other parks in Rochester, like Highland Park, Maplewood Park, and Seneca Park (which is now the Seneca Park Zoo).
Olmsted had a special plan for Genesee Valley Park. He wanted the east side to feel like a big, open field, like a pasture. The west side was meant for more fun activities and sports. To help keep the grass short and add to the "pasture" feel, Olmsted even suggested bringing 80 sheep into the park in 1893!
Over time, the park changed. In 1917, the golf course was made bigger, going from 9 holes to 18. On May 10, 1918, the Barge (Erie) Canal was connected with the Genesee River right inside the park. Later, a big road called the Genesee Expressway (now part of Interstate 390) was built. This road cut through the park, changing some of its original peaceful, open feeling.
What You Can Do at the Park
Genesee Valley Park is huge, covering about 800 acres (which is about 3.2 square kilometers). It has lots of things to do!
- Golf Courses: There are two public golf courses where you can play.
- Recreation Areas: You'll find plenty of space for different activities.
- Bridges: The park has four footbridges that let you cross over the Genesee River and the Erie Canal.
- Trails: Genesee Valley Park is a meeting point for two important trails. The Genesee Valley Greenway trail and the Erie Canal towpath trail both pass through here. The Erie Canal towpath trail stretches all the way across New York State!
