BY ALEX STEINGRABER
The Monroe County Parks Department has a stellar line-up of
parks that offer guests plenty of amenities, fresh air, and natural fun. Oh,
and it’s all free. Think of our parks as mini-vacations that you can treat
yourself to any day of the week, and of course you can bring your friends and
family to help you explore and enjoy these natural settings. This is a list of the
more than a dozen parks in Monroe County Parks Department’s arsenal, and a
brief description of what each has to offer.
Note that all county parks are open daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m. for the summer (April 1 through October). Parks
have a strict “carry in, carry out” policy regarding trash. All visitors with
pets must clean up after them, and keep them on a leash unless the park offers specific
off-leash areas.
For more information about each park, campfire rules, or to
reserve a campsite or lodge (fees apply, based on the shelter or lodge you are
reserving) call 753-7275, or visit the Park Department website at monroecounty.gov/parks.
If you are planning to use a lodge or shelter in a specific park, make sure to
call ahead to see if someone else has already reserved it.
Abraham Lincoln Park
Formally Irondequoit Bay Park East, Abraham Lincoln Park is
an undeveloped park set in a 182-acre shoreline area east of IrondequoitBay; it can be accessed via Empire
Boulevard. Right now, the shore-side park offers six different hiking trails
that span through tall grasses and forests (our photographer advises that you
watch out for the prevalent poison ivy). There is a master plan — currently in
phase one — that to add improvements to the park near the main entrance off of
Empire. These plans include a state-of-the art playground (already constructed)
and a nature play area that will feature fallen trees and small hills that
children can use to develop different skills. All of the future plans can be
found on the park’s website.
BlackCreekPark
BlackCreekPark (3835
Union St., North Chili) is a mostly undeveloped
1,505-acre park that includes five hiking trails that meander through a bog,
marshes, wetlands, and over rolling, tree-covered terrain. If getting lost in
tranquil settings isn’t your thing, the park also offers other amenities, such
as baseball and soccer fields, a playground, and a shelter and two lodges that
are equipped with barbecue pits and picnic tables. Also bordering a bend of
Black Creek is a boat launch that can be used for kayaks and canoes.
ChurchvillePark
ChurchvillePark
(33 Buffalo Road,
Churchville) covers 742 acres. Within close proximity to the park entrance are three
baseball fields, two soccer fields, and a tennis court. The park is also
equipped with sites for pickle-ball (similar to tennis, but played with a hard
paddle and a wiffle ball) and disc golf. Deeper into
the park, and surrounded by a flowing stream, you’ll find an 18-hole golf
course and a driving range. The course fee is $8.50 (nine holes) or $10 (18 holes)
weekdays; add another dollar to the price on weekends. The park offers five
lodges and six open shelters that are equipped with barbecue pits and picnic
tables. These are in close proximity to two playgrounds, a kayak/canoe launch
area, and fishing locations along Black Creek.
DurandEastmanPark
Swimming, hiking, and golf: activities you might expect more
from a high-end beach resort instead of a free public park. If it helps, think
of DurandEastmanPark (located south of Lakeshore
Boulevard) as a 977-acre high-end resort created
by nature. Three hiking trails loop around three lakes and take you in, out,
and over tree-covered woodland slopes. Once you’ve tackled the trails, check
out the park’s more than 5,000 feet of waterfront access, where you can enjoy a
swim in LakeOntario.
You can also bring your own kayak or canoe — there are no rentals available at
the park — and go for a leisurely paddle. (For water conditions and beach
closings, call the Monroe County Beach Hotline at 753-5887.) The park also has eight
open shelters that are equipped with barbecue pits and picnic tables, as well
as four different playgrounds.
If high-class amenities are more your style, swing it out at
the Durand Eastman Golf Course. With 18 challenging holes, practice by yourself
or invite friends to a game in the lake air. The fees for this course are $12 for
nine holes, and $16 for 18 weekdays, and a dollar more on weekends. Just east
of Durand Eastman, at the end of Sea Breeze Drive,
is IrondequoitBayMarinePark.
There boaters can launch watercraft for a nominal fee.
EllisonPark
Located in the Irondequoit Creek flood plain, off of Blossom
Road between I-590 and Panorama Trail, EllisonPark is 447 acres of flowing
streams and creeks, enclosed marshes, and steep tree-covered slopes. In
addition to six nature trails, six lodges/picnic areas, five baseball fields,
and a kayaking/canoeing launch area, the park also has a professional-level disc-golf
course, located off of the Landing Road
parking area. The course features 18 tees, each with its own challenges and
obstacles that will keep even high-level disc-golf players on their toes. For
more sports action, you can use the tennis courts located off of Tennis Court
Drive. A newly constructed dog park is expected to open around or after
Memorial Day, but note that access for you and your dog requires registering
ahead of time (for $24-$25) via the Monroe County Parks Department, located in
Highland Park.
GeneseeValleyPark
Frederick Law Olmsted, one of the masters of landscape architecture
— he designed New York City’s Central Park and Rochester’s Highland Park — originally
brought to life this 800-acre spread along the east bank of the Genesee River. This
park has seven baseball fields and two 18-hole golf courses (golf fees run $12-$17),
so you shouldn’t have trouble feeding your inner sports junkie. There are seven
open shelters with barbecue pits, as well as playgrounds. A unique feature
located on the north side of the River Road
entrance is a field designed for the English/Indian sport cricket. If you are
one for the water, there are two kayak/canoe launches located on the west
portion of the GeneseeRiver
and south of the Elmwood Avenue
entrance, and another located on the east portion of the river right under the
I-390 overpass. Also located in the same area as the kayak
launch is a public swimming pool for those blistering hot city days. (There
is a nominal fee for the swimming pool.) For leisurely walks or bike rides the
park does have a hiking trial and two other trail ways; one is located on the west
bank of the river and is known as the Genesee Valley Greenway, and the other is
located on the east bank and is known as the Genesee Riverway
Trail. Both trails connect together via the Canalway
Trail.
GreeceCanalPark
This 577-acre park, located at 241 Elmgrove Road in Greece,
is positioned along the historic Erie Canal. The park’s four
trails, plus access to the Erie Canal trail, will give
you hours of walking or bike-riding enjoyment. It is also one of the few county
parks with an on-site dog park (again, dogs must be preregistered for $24-$25
with the County Parks Office in Highland Park).
Baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds will give you plenty
to do in the summer months. You can also load up your kayak/canoe and make a
day out of exploring the historical Erie Canal — there
is a dock available at the south end of the park.
Highland Park
Another Frederick Law Olmsted design, Highland
Park (171 Reservoir Ave.)
is a 150-acre arboretum, home to a variety of plant life, some of it unusual to
our area. Stop off at the Lamberton Conservatory,
which houses a plethora of native and foreign plant life. From lush leafy
plants to desert cacti, this conservatory is an enclosed 1800-square-foot
marvel. Continue through the park’s winding walkways and you will pass more
than 20 different species of lilacs along Highland Avenue,
as well as the pansy bed, with a design that changes annually.
The nearby Highland Park Bowl is an outdoor amphitheater used for summertime concerts,
Shakespeare in the Park, and free outdoor movies.
The park is also home to several memorials, including the Greater Rochester
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which honors the more than 28,000 Vietnam Veterans
from our region, including the 280 men who died in the conflict.
Irondequoit
Bay Park West
A lush forest setting and undeveloped trails are the defining
characteristics of this 147-acre park. If you like nature and only nature, then
this park is for you. Located on the west portion of IrondequoitBay and accessible via Orchard
Park Boulevard off of Empire Boulevard, this
park’s half-mile of bay shore can be used for fishing,
kayaking, and canoeing. Note that the park now allows mountain biking, so be
alert for freewheeling bikers.
LehighValleyPark
Instead of a quiet day out with the friends and family, you might
be in the mood to go for a long run or an intense bike ride. LehighValleyPark
is for you. A 15-mile trail park, LehighValley cuts from east to west (or west
to east, depending on where you start), and offers the sights and sounds of
nature. You can access the park via the towns of Rush or Mendon.
MendonPondsPark
The largest park in the Monroe County parks system, Mendon
Ponds includes 2,500 acres marked by large, rolling, tree-lined hills, steep
depressions, abundant flora and fauna, and of course, those titular ponds. The
park can be accessed by four entrances; two via Clover Street and two via
Mendon Center Road, all by heading south on both roads in the town of Mendon. The
park includes 10 different hiking and walking trails, each unique in difficulty
and setting. Seven open lodges and five closed lodges are available for hosting
to barbecues and picnics. Head over to the beach and boating area and take
advantage of the state-of-the art playground, or launch your kayak, canoe, or
row boats on Hundred Acre Pond. Or, if you’re a land lover, there are
observation points around each of the five ponds. Camping is allowed in certain
parts of the park, but to do so you must call the parks office at 753-7275 and
reserve a spot; fees are based on the size of your party. Horses are also
allowed in the park and have designated trails on which to ride. Before you
leave be sure to check out Sharon’s
SensoryGarden
and nature center, where visitors can view and read plant labels, touch and
smell plants and flowers, or just sit in the picnic area and relax.
NorthamptonPark
This 973-acre park in Ogden,
bisected by Salmon Creek, includes both an animal farm and a model-airplane
field. Located off Loop Road,
and to the north, is a large clearing that is dedicated to model-airplane
flying. Not the kits you used to build, and which now
hang from fishing line, collecting dust. I am talking about fuel-drinking
flying machines that are controlled by people on the ground with remote
controls. Meanwhile, Springdale Farm has a variety of animals to pet, feed, and
watch, along with a dairy barn. Stop by the greenhouse and purchase a plant;
all proceeds go to the Heritage Christian Services and leave you with a
souvenir of the day’s adventure. The park also includes a playground, baseball
field, two soccer fields, and five different hiking trails are all located
close to inner park roads.
OatkaCreekPark
This 461-acre trail park offers the pleasures of hiking
through forests and grassland. Located at 9797 Union
St. in Scottsville, Oatka
is home to nine hiking and walking trails, each ranging in difficulty and
length. After you hike one or all of the trails, sit by the creek for a little
R&R. The park also has an enclosed lodge that is available for picnics and barbecues,
an open fields that can be used to kick a ball around
or throw a frisbee.
OntarioBeachPark
If you long for vacations on sandy beaches, you don’t have to
travel far. OntarioBeachPark (4650
Lake Ave.) is a 39-acre waterfront park with some
unusual amenities. With parking along and off of Lake
Avenue, it’s easy to lug grilling supplies over to
one of the beach park’s seven open pavilions equipped with grills. There’s a boardwalk
along the waterfront, bocce ball and beach volleyball courts, a gazebo, and even
an old-time carousel (rides are just $1). Take advantage of the pier located at
the east end of the park for a scenic walk, or to watch the sailboats go in and
out of the harbor. Swimming is available during the summer, but be sure to call
753-5887 for water-quality reports. For the motor boaters looking to access the
water, a boat launch is available for use off of North
River Road via Lake Avenue
(for fees and more information, call 753-7275). The Port
of Rochester shares a parking lot,
and is home to a variety of businesses, including several restaurants. The area
is also home to the RogerRobachCommunity Center,
which houses showers and lockers for swimmers, and on the second floor has a
banquet hall that hosts ballroom dancing on select days. Every Wednesday during
the summer (this year June 6-August 29) the park hosts the free Concerts By the Shore series 7-9 p.m.
PowderMillsPark
This 380-acre park full of wetlands and forest-filled scenic
trails is accessible via Park Road,
off of State Route 96 and Woolston
Road, off of Fishers Road
in Pittsford. As you descend down the main entrance’s roadway you may notice a
unique operation for this county park: a fish hatchery. Opened in 1933, the
Fish Hatchery at PowderMillsPark, is a free self-guided operation that provides the
opportunity to view a variety of fish in different stages of development. More
than 20,000 fish from several different species — including trout, perch, and chinook salmon — are among its
residents. Note that the hatchery has limited hours; for more information call
586-1670. In addition to the hatchery, the park features four shelters and six
lodges, seven hiking trails, a playground, and a sand-filled volleyball court.
SenecaPark
SenecaPark
(2222 St. Paul St.) is
another Frederick Law Olmsted design. The 297-acre park north of downtown is
laid out like a serpent along the east bank of the GeneseeRiver, and offers a variety of
activities. Three connecting trails along the river bank make for excellent
running, or for moseying and watching the river flow. Also take advantage of
the four open shelters for picnicking. Located close to the parking areas are two
playgrounds, and for a day of competition, there is a baseball field on the north
portion of the park. Note that SenecaPark is also home to the Seneca
Park Zoo. For more information on that attraction visit
senecaparkzoo.org.
TryonPark
If you are looking for the bare bones of nature — woodland
creatures, dirt, leaves, and the smell of the earth and the neighboring bay —
then the 82 acres that make up TryonPark
may pique your interests. Located at the end of Tryon
Road off of Winton Road
North, TryonPark is at the top of a glacial
depression that was formed more than 1 million years ago, and which now
overlooks the serpentine creeks and streams that flow into the IrondequoitBay. Once you park and get your
bearings you will notice that there are no trail heads and no trails — none
that are named, anyway. Walk, run, or bike to make your own path down the
park’s steep back and up again. If you find you are in the mood for a little
relaxation, there are a few fishing spots at the shore of a wandering creek.
Webster Park
Webster Park, located off of Holt and Lakeroads, is a 550-acre plot that offers both rolling
hills and deep woods to the south and access to LakeOntario to the north. It is also
one of only two county parks that allows mountain biking on its premises. The park
is bisected by Mill Creek, which flows into the breakers of LakeOntario. The park offers more than
just leisurely walks. Two baseball fields and a tennis court are located
opposite of the main entrance off of Holt Road.
Fishing, kayaking, and canoeing are accessible via the lake access off of Lake
Road. The park also offers up five different
trails for hiking, running, or geocaching. For the big family flings, five
enclosed lodges are available to rent, or you can reserve the White House lodge
for those really big events. Eight shelters/picnic areas, equipped with grills,
are also at the disposal of park goers, and there is a playground for kids. If
you plan to stay more than the day, less than a mile west down Lake
Road you will find campgrounds. Call 872-5326 for
more information.
This article appears in Summer Guide 2012.
