The Future Of Cobbs Hill Park

This page introduces UMNA's efforts to influence the future of Cobbs Hill Park through an expansion of it's historic landmark status and the development of a long term strategic plan for the park.

Background

Over the years nearby neighbors in Upper Monroe, Cobbs Hill and Park Avenue have witnessed the relentless incremental development of Cobbs Hill Park. Projects large and small have accumulated in the park with little apparent consideration of the overall impact on the park experience and on the park itself. Each well intended project had it's benefits and justifications.

In January, 2024 as the first phase of the Cobbs Hill Village Redevelopment project was nearing completion UMNA became aware of a proposal by the City of Rochester to build two new pavilions in Cobbs Hill Park. One of the two pavilions was located in a recognized/designated landmark site area of the Park. The other pavilion was not. The pavilion in the landmark site area of the Park required review & approval by the Preservation Board of Rochester. The other pavilion required no review or approval from the Preservation Board. UMNA volunteers and neighbors were confounded as to why. We reached out to the Landmark Society of Western NY and the other nearby neighborhood organizations.

After a number of email exchanges in February of 2024 that included Megan Klem from the Landmark Society of Western NY representatives of UMNA, the Nunda Boulevard Neighborhood Association, ABC Streets Neighborhood Association gathered at Village Bakery in The Armory on Culver Road to share observations about the current situation and ideas about how to help guide the future of Cobbs Hill Park.

Coalition Partners

• ABC Streets Neighborhood Association

• Nunda Boulevard Neighborhood Association

• Upper Monroe Neighborhood Association (UMNA)

Community Partner

• Landmark Society of Western NY

Goals

Landmark Status In Cobbs Hill Park

A Master Plan for Cobbs Hill Park

Values

• Appreciation of Cobbs Hill Park's history

  • Historic preservation & landmark site status

  • Public engagement through Interpretive programs & components

• Enhancing passive park experiences & the appreciation of natural beauty

  • Environmental considerations

  • Public engagement through Interpretive programs & components

• Supporting active recreation facilities & programs

  • Sports & fitness

    • Basketball

    • Tennis

    • Softball

    • Workout

    • Running

    • Biking

  • Children's Playground

  • Creativity

  • Smaller-scale private social gatherings (picnics, birthday parties, etc.)

  • Larger-scale community activities in the lodges and on the grounds

• Expanding accessibility

• diversity