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synopsis

The northernmost landscape in Rochester’s park system, Frederick Law Olmsted created a general plan for Seneca Park in 1893. The three-mile linear park, which parallels either side of the Genesee River, was completed over the following decade. Olmsted designed the 297-acres with ‘picturesque’ elements. A carriage-loop, tree-lined paths, and picnic grove were included in the plan.

The northernmost landscape in Rochester’s park system, Frederick Law Olmsted created a general plan for Seneca Park in 1893. The three-mile linear park, which parallels either side of the Genesee River, was completed over the following decade. Olmsted designed the 297-acres with ‘picturesque’ elements. A carriage-loop, tree-lined paths, and picnic grove were included in the plan. Situated on a canyon, the green space was split into Seneca Park East and West, with the west side now referred to as Maplewood Park. The gorges were filled with dense plantings to protect park visitors from the steep ravines and provided several scenic overlooks. From 1901-1915, when park development was being overseen by John C. Olmsted, the park commissioners entered a period of reform. They transitioned from using parks as pleasure grounds to viewing them as community facilities. The addition of recreational activities such as a bandstand, swimming hole, and golf course, cemented Seneca Park’s purpose as a pleasure ground. The park is also home to the Seneca Zoo, added in 1957.

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