Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the release of a framework plan for the future High Falls State Park, which will be the first state park within the City of Rochester. The plan was presented to the public at an open house at Monroe Community College and is now available for public review.
“I am thrilled that the Rochester community’s vision for the new High Falls State Park is coming to life,” Governor 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.”
The park’s construction is scheduled to begin in late 2026 and will proceed in phases. The framework plan was developed by OLIN, a national landscape architecture firm, along with several local partners. Over the past year, planners have engaged with stakeholders, held public meetings, and sought community input through mailings.
The vision for High Falls State Park describes it as “an oasis of natural beauty in the heart of Rochester 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.”
The proposed park will feature nine access gateways, including two for vehicles to improve accessibility. A new trail system over 2.5 miles long will be created within the gorge, highlighting recreation and historical features. The 40-acre park will include an overlook at the waterfall’s base, an expanded terrace park, multiple playgrounds, a “relic garden” using former gas tank sites, a pedestrian bridge over the Genesee River, a plaza at the former incinerator building, two large lawns, a scenic walk into the gorge, and restored natural areas.
Further details about the plan and opportunities for public feedback are available at highfallsstateparkny.com.
Remediation work along the Genesee Gorge is ongoing and expected to continue for five more years. The park will open in phases as cleanup progresses, coordinated by property owners including RG&E, the City of Rochester, and Bausch + Lomb. Construction will begin in the High Falls area and extend northward as environmental cleanup continues under state oversight.
New York State has allocated $8 million in design funding so far, with technical design work starting in early 2026. Further funding estimates will be determined after schematic design is completed.
City of Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans stated, “High Falls State Park is proof of what happens when vision meets investment. Thanks to Governor Hochul and the State of New York’s continued commitment through the ROC the Riverway initiative, we are transforming our riverfront into a place where people can connect with nature, each other, and the heart of our city. This investment honors Rochester’s history while building a healthier, more vibrant future for generations to come.”
Kathy Moser, Acting Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, said, “This exciting blueprint is a huge step forward in Governor Hochul’s commitment to creating a state park in downtown Rochester. The park will open part of the Genesee River Gorge to the public for the first time in over a century – and enable visitors to better enjoy its endless recreational possibilities, unique natural environment and rich history. I look forward to working with state agencies and local partners to make it a reality.”
Hope Knight, President and CEO & Commissioner of Empire State Development, commented, “Establishing High Falls State Park in the heart of Downtown Rochester will help us to maximize the breadth of our ROC The Riverway investments that continue to transform the Genesee River waterfront. Thanks to Governor Hochul and the continued community support, this multi-year project will truly be a game-changer for city residents, while offering visitors yet another reason to explore, experience and enjoy the vibrant Flower City.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton added, “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership and vision, residents in Rochester will soon have playgrounds, gardens, and an updated waterfront in the first State Park in the city. Historic funding and support for DEC’s cleanup programs and ongoing work with partners to clean up the Genesee River’s industrial legacy, New York State is helping to revitalize green spaces, create healthier communities, and connect people to the outdoors.”
Michael Miller, Managing Partner at OLIN, said, “We’ve been impressed by the level of community passion and support for this new park, and are excited to be moving forward with a plan that embodies longstanding aspirations for High Falls.”
State Senator Jeremy Cooney remarked, “High Falls State Park will leverage one of Rochester’s great natural beauties and a defining feature of our downtown to create a destination for visitors and community members alike to visit. I’m excited to see the release of the framework plan and I want to thank Governor Hochul for her vision on this project and her commitment to making High Falls more accessible for the community to enjoy.”
Assemblymember Harry Bronson stated, “The development of the High Falls State Park is a transformative project that will do more than create green space—it will reconnect our community to one of Rochester’s most iconic natural features and celebrate the rich industrial heritage that shaped our city. The Genesee River and High Falls are central to Rochester’s identity, and this 40-acre park will showcase that history while providing residents and visitors with public access to an awe-inspiring natural environment in the heart of downtown. I look forward to seeing this phased construction unfold over the coming years as we revitalize this historic area for future generations.”
Assemblymember Sarah Clark said, “The High Falls State Park is poised to be one of the most exciting and transformational initiatives ever in downtown Rochester. Today’s announced framework plan marks an exciting step toward realizing the full potential of one of Rochester’s most iconic landmarks. This plan reflects years of community input and collaboration, laying the groundwork for a vibrant, accessible public space that honors our history while driving new opportunities for recreation and economic growth. Thank you to everyone who is working tirelessly to make this incredible project possible.”
Assemblymember Demond Meeks said, “The creation of High Falls State Park marks a transformative moment for our city and the people of Rochester. This initiative will breathe new life into one of our most historic and beautiful areas, restoring access to the Genesee River and reconnecting residents with our shared natural and cultural heritage. By investing in spaces that promote recreation, education, and environmental stewardship, we are helping to build a stronger, more equitable community. High Falls State Park is a unique place where every Rochesterian can take pride in our home.”
Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello added, “The High Falls of the Genesee River are an undeniable natural wonder, and this new State Park will ensure that their awe-inspiring beauty will be celebrated and made more accessible for generations to come. This visionary project is poised to transform not only the Genesee River waterfront but the entire downtown Rochester core,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “We are witnessing a major turning point for our city, one that would not be possible without tireless advocacy and commitment. I want to sincerely thank Governor Hochul for her consistent leadership and her dedication to bringing this transformative ‘ROC The Riverway’ initiative to life.”
The ROC The Riverway initiative is a collaboration between New York State and the City of Rochester aimed at revitalizing the Genesee River downtown waterfront. New York State has committed over $100 million to various projects under this initiative so far. Several projects have been completed in the High Falls area as part of phase one, while phase two focuses on establishing the new state park.
More information about ROC The Riverway can be found on the City of Rochester’s ROC The Riverway website.
