Maplewood Park Trail

What Was the Challenge?

Maplewood Park extends approximately two miles along the Genesee River in the City of Rochester and contains a key segment of the 24-mile Genesee Riverway Trail (GRT). The final unpaved section of the trail limited accessibility and prevented the City from achieving a continuous, ADA accessible route along the river.

In addition, the only connection between the park’s Rose Garden and Lower Falls Park was a large staircase, creating a significant barrier for users with mobility limitations.

How did Barton & Loguidice Provide a Solution?

B&L designed improvements that included paving the final segment of the Genesee Riverway Trail, constructing a new ADA accessible switchback trail around the existing staircase, upgrading curb ramps, installing enhanced wayfinding signage, and providing trail access gates to help control unauthorized motorized vehicle access while maintaining access for pedestrians, bicyclists, and maintenance vehicles.

To minimize impacts on Maplewood Park’s historic landscape, the paved trail alignment was carefully refined during design with minor adjustments to preserve as many existing mature hardwood trees as possible while maintaining accessibility, constructability, and a comfortable user experience.

Why Was This Project a Success?

The project completed the final missing link in the Genesee Riverway Trail, creating a continuous, accessible route for walking, running, and bicycling while improving safety and connectivity throughout Maplewood Park.

By balancing accessibility improvements with thoughtful preservation of the park’s mature tree canopy and historic character, the project advances the City’s long term vision for Maplewood Park while providing a more inclusive, safe, and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike. The improvements enhance recreation, strengthen connectivity, and ensure this historic park is accessible to users of all abilities.