Governor Hochul Announces Framework Plan for Future High Falls State Park in Downtown Rochester

Governor Kathy Hochul's vision for a 40-acre state park in downtown Rochester is taking shape with the release of a framework plan that outlines the proposed vision and timeline for the construction of the future High Falls State Park. The plan was developed by a team of experts from national and local firms, including OLIN, Highland Planning, LiRo Engineers, and TY Lin, who have met with local stakeholders, held public meetings, and solicited community input over the past 12 months. The framework plan envisions a park 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.

Key Takeaways:

• The High Falls State Park will be a 40-acre park featuring a 80-foot waterfall, and will be open year-round with multiple playgrounds, a "relic garden," a new pedestrian bridge, a plaza, two large lawns, and a scenic and historic walk into the gorge.
• The park will be designed to open in phases, with phased remediation work along the three-quarter mile-long stretch of the Genesee Gorge underway, and expected to last an additional five years.
• The framework 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.
• The park will feature 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 and an expanded overlook at the current High Falls Terrace Park.
• The development of High Falls State Park is part of the ROC The Riverway initiative, which has committed over $100 million towards dozens of projects, including the Brewery Line Trail extension and Pont de Rennes Bridge renovation within the High Falls area.
• Governor Hochul has committed $8 million in design funding to assist with the transformation, with additional construction and operating funding estimates to be determined when the technical schematic design work is completed.
• Phased construction of the new park is expected to begin in late 2026, with technical design development set to begin in early 2026.
• The park will be designed to leverage the natural beauty of the Genesee River and High Falls, while also incorporating the city's rich industrial heritage and history.
• High Falls State Park will be a unique destination for visitors and community members alike, showcasing the city's natural and cultural heritage, and providing opportunities for recreation, education, and environmental stewardship.

Statistics:

• 40 acres: the size of the future High Falls State Park
• 80-foot: the height of the waterfall in the park
• 2.5 miles: the length of the new park trail system within the gorge
• 9: the number of gateways planned for the park
• $8 million: the amount of design funding committed by Governor Hochul for the project
• 2026: the expected start year for phased construction
• 5 years: the estimated duration of remediation work along the Genesee Gorge

Sources:

• Governor Kathy Hochul, "Governor Hochul Announces Release of Framework Plan for Future High Falls State Park in Downtown Rochester," Office of the Governor, October 21
• "High Falls State Park," The City of Rochester's ROC The Riverway website
• "About ROC The Riverway," The City of Rochester's ROC The Riverway website