Congratulations to New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation on the project completion to improve the Genesee Valley Greenway State Park from Rochester to the Village of Avon. The Genesee Valley Greenway State Park is a 90-mile open space corridor following the routes of the historic Genesee Valley Canal and the Pennsylvania Railroad, providing a recreational trail connection across five counties in New York State. The team was engaged by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to provide design and construction administration services for a multi-phase development of trail improvements along a highly used 17-mile stretch of the Genesee Valley Greenway trail.

Reconstruction included resurfacing the year-round hiking, biking, equestrian, and snowmobiling trail. Trail nodes were strategically located at scenic natural and historic locations to provide users resting areas and destinations along the corridor. Custom picnic tables, bike racks, and equestrian mounting blocks were designed to incorporate the reclaimed stone from historic culvert headwalls, paying homage to the trail’s unique past. A deteriorating railroad bridge was replaced with a new stone dust-surfaced concrete bridge structure.

Recently completed portions of the Greenway incorporate additional key nodes. An overlook with a pergola provides a unique glimpse into the past, viewing into a highly preserved historic lock. Reclaimed stone culvert materials and rustic wood elements are incorporated into a stone masonry sign wall and picnic areas. A secondary pathway and stone stairs provide universal access down along the historic lock walls into the lock. The team is proud to be a part of this important trailway improvement project that enhances this 17-mile stretch of the Genesee Valley Greenway trail while preserving and highlighting its historic integrity. Our studio engaged in comprehensive design services for our broad cross-section of clients.