The creation of the first state park in the City of Rochester has taken a step forward with the release of the framework plan outlining the proposed vision and timeline for the construction of the future High Falls State Park. The plan was presented to the public on Tuesday at an open house at Monroe Community College in Rochester and is available for review here.
“I am thrilled that the Rochester community’s vision for the new High Falls State Park is coming to life,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “This project will transform downtown Rochester by connecting people to the dramatic Genesee River gorge and celebrating its rich ecological, cultural and industrial history. Creating safe and welcoming places to “Get Offline and Get Outside” is how we build healthier, more prosperous and more connected communities across our state.”
Phased construction of the new park is expected to begin in late 2026.
The new plan calls for the future park to be accessed through nine gateways that connect to surrounding streets and trails, including two vehicle gateways at Falls Street and Suntru Street for ADA accessibility and public drop-off areas. A new park trail system will stretch over 2.5 miles within the gorge, incorporating recreation, exploration and important historical resources. Additional storytelling of the area’s unique cultural and social heritage will be incorporated into other aspects of the Park.
The 40-acre park, featuring the spectacular 80-foot waterfall, would be open year-round and include several distinct focal points to experience nature, gather with friends and family, and learn about Rochester’s heritage, including:
- An overlook off the island at the base of the waterfall to immerse visitors in the ever-changing energy of the landscape and allow them to feel the mist of the falls;
- An expanded overlook at the current High Falls Terrace Park to provide panoramic views of the gorge, river below and the surrounding city.
- Multiple playgrounds to provide a destination for play, learning and experiences for all ages and abilities;
- A “relic garden” to adapt the footprint of the old Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) gas holding tanks into a space for community gathering and learning;
- A new pedestrian bridge over the Genesee River at gorge-level to centrally link the east and west sides of the park and provide a close and direct view of the falls and surrounding landscape;
- A plaza at the site of the former City of Rochester incinerator building, with a goal of preserving portions of the historic structure to provide event, performance and gathering space;
- Two large lawns, providing flexible space for a variety of passive and active uses;
- A scenic and historic walk into the gorge at the site of former RG&E Beebee Station to trace the massive power plant’s historic foundation and highlight the city’s industrial legacy and energy production history;
- New and restored meadows, woodlands, and grove areas to support a greater diversity of native flora and fauna.
Details of all the plan components and opportunities for additional public feedback and engagement are available at: highfallsstateparkny.com/
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