Framework Plan Unveiled for Rochester's First State Park High Falls with Construction Expected in 2026

Plans for High Falls State Park, the first state park in Rochester, New York, are progressing with the release of a detailed framework plan outlining the vision, design, and construction timeline. The 40-acre park, featuring the iconic 80-foot waterfall, will be open year-round and include over 2.5 miles of trails, scenic overlooks, playgrounds, plazas, and a pedestrian bridge across the Genesee River. The park is part of the larger "ROC the Riverway" initiative aimed at revitalizing Rochester's riverfront and downtown area, reconnecting residents and visitors with the river gorge and its rich ecological, cultural, and industrial history. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, following ongoing environmental cleanup efforts of former industrial sites along the river. Safety considerations include ample lighting, coordinated patrols by park and city police, and controlled access points, while the park's design emphasizes accessibility with multiple gateways and ADA-compliant vehicle access. The project, supported by $8 million in state design funding and developed by firms such as OLIN and Highland Planning, includes extensive community engagement and aims to provide public access to areas previously closed for over a century.