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 is a cool place in Rochester, New York. It sits right next to the Genesee River. A big canal, called the New York State Barge Canal (which is part of the famous Erie Canal), even goes through the park! The University of Rochester is also very close by. This park was once called "South Park."
Contents
A Look Back: The Park's Story
The park started when land was bought by the Park Commission in 1888. A famous landscape designer named Frederick Law Olmsted created Genesee Valley Park. He also designed other parks in Rochester, like Highland Park and Maplewood Park. Seneca Park, another one of his designs, is now home to the Seneca Park Zoo!
Olmsted's Original Plan
Olmsted had a special plan for the park. He wanted the east side to feel like a big, open field. The west side was for fun activities and games. In 1893, 80 sheep were brought in! They made the park feel even more like a countryside pasture. Plus, they helped keep the grass neatly trimmed!
Changes Over Time
The park's golf course got bigger in 1917. It went from 9 holes to 18 holes. The Barge (Erie) Canal joined with the Genesee River inside the park on May 10, 1918. Later, a highway called the Genesee Expressway (now part of Interstate 390) was built. This road cut through the park. It changed the peaceful, open feeling that Olmsted had first imagined.
What You Can Do at the Park
Genesee Valley Park is huge, covering about 800 acres (which is over 3 square kilometers)! It has lots of fun things to do.
Golf and Games
The park has two public golf courses where you can play. There's also a big area for other games and activities.
Trails and Bridges
You can find four footbridges that cross over the Genesee River and the Erie Canal. The park is also a meeting point for two awesome trails. One is the Genesee Valley Greenway trail. The other is the Erie Canal towpath trail, which goes all the way across New York State! It's a great place for walking, biking, and exploring.
