Roc the Riverway project begins

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Work has begun on the High Falls Terrace Park and the Brewery Line Train transformation project.

Mayor Malik D. Evans announced Thursday that the Roc the Riverway waterfront revitalization program is underway.

“The new and improved High Falls Terrace Park and Brewery Line Trail will bring much-needed investment to one of the most underserved areas of our city and further leverage the incredible value of the Genesee River,” said Mayor Evans. “I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development for supporting this project and bringing hope and opportunity to our neighborhoods. The continued transformation of our city is helping us create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester.”

The park and trail will be transformed to "improve the scenic and functional harmony with the Genesee River gorge and the High Falls, create a vibrant riverfront destination and provide an attractive eastern gateway to the Genesee Riverway Trail and other Roc the Riverway destinations—including the planned High Falls State Park.

Upgrades to the park include gateway improvements, walkways, landscaping, indigenous plantings, park furnishings, lighting, and event space.

The first draft rendering from @NYstateparks of the new Rochester High Falls Park, looking south over 40 acres through the gorge towards downtown: pic.twitter.com/BRZ81nksJM

— ROC The Riverway (@ROCtheRiver) January 31, 2022

The trail along the gorge from the Pont de Rennes to the High Falls Overlook will be resurfaced and upgraded. Green infrastructure and native plantings will be installed to manage stormwater and limit the erosion and deterioration of the gorge wall and edge. An existing abandoned railway bed will be removed to formally connect the trail to the park with complimentary, usable green space, and invasive plants that block views of the falls will be cleared.

The project is scheduled to be completed in late summer of 2022.