Public Open House And Walking Tour Announced For Olmsted Pedestrian Bridges Study

October 23rd, 2026

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Monroe County, in partnership with the City of Rochester and the Genesee Transportation Council, will host a public open house and optional guided walking tour as part of the Genesee Valley Park Olmsted Pedestrian Bridges Study at the Genesee Waterways Center on Wednesday, October 28, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The study will assess the three historic pedestrian bridges located in Genesee Valley Park and develop recommendations for their short and long-term maintenance. Designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm and built between 1916 and 1919, the bridges reconnect park paths that were severed when the Erie Canal was rerouted through the park in the early 20th century. Whether residents use the bridges regularly for walking, bicycling, commuting, recreation, or simply have an interest in their history and future, Monroe County encourages everyone to provide input.

The informational open house will give participants with an opportunity to visit the westernmost pedestrian bridge and learn about its history, current use, and connections to the surrounding trail network.

Event Details

• Date and Time: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 5-7 p.m.
• Location: Genesee Waterways Center, 149 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14611
• Format: The open house is drop-in style, and attendees are welcome to arrive at any time during the event. An optional guided walking tour will begin at 5 p.m. The tour will begin in the Genesee Waterways Center parking lot and follow approximately one-third of a mile of accessible, paved trail to the bridge.
• Parking: Free parking is available on-site.
• Public Transit: Nearby RTS bus stops include Elmwood Loop (Stop ID 1274) and Elmwood Avenue opposite Genesee Valley Park (Stop ID 1273). Visit https://www.myrts.com/ for current routes and schedules.
• Walking and Bicycling: The location is accessible via the Genesee Riverway Trail and Erie Canalway Trail, with connections through Genesee Valley Park's pedestrian bridges.

For more information about the project, visit https://publicinput.com/gvppedbridges.