Town of Penfield community gathers to celebrate the opening of a new 500 foot footbridge at Philbrick Park

Penfield, New York – The Town of Penfield marked a milestone in its efforts to improve outdoor spaces and expand community connections with the opening of a brand-new footbridge at Philbrick Park. On Wednesday, September 17, local officials joined residents to celebrate the project, which replaces aging wooden walkways and brings new life to one of the community’s most scenic areas.

Stretching 500 feet, the newly built footbridge offers visitors an easier and safer way to explore the park’s natural trails. The previous wooden walkways had reached the end of their lifespan, making replacement a necessity. With this investment, the town has created a modern, durable structure that not only enhances safety but also strengthens connectivity with neighboring trail systems. The new footbridge now links Philbrick Park to the Town of Perinton’s Spring Lake Trail, offering outdoor enthusiasts more miles of uninterrupted pathways.

The project carried a total cost of $750,000, funded in part through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Town leaders emphasized that the bridge represents more than infrastructure—it’s an investment in recreation, accessibility, and quality of life for residents.

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Penfield Town Supervisor Jeff Leenhouts expressed his excitement for the community. “The trail system in Philbrick Park is one of the most scenic spots in our community, and I am excited to expand accessibility to this area with the new footbridge. I look forward to our community enjoying this new amenity for years to come, and am eager to continue moving ahead with additional projects that enhance accessibility and connectivity in Penfield.”

The significance of the project also extends beyond town borders. By connecting Penfield and Perinton, the new bridge builds stronger ties between neighboring communities while offering outdoor spaces that can be shared and enjoyed regionally. Perinton Town Supervisor Ciaran Hanna praised the collaboration and long-term benefits of the project. “Congratulations to Supervisor Jeff Leenhouts and the Town of Penfield. This new footbridge is a welcome addition that safely connects Penfield’s Channing Philbrick Park with Perinton’s Spring Lake Trail and Park. Together with neighboring communities, we are creating safe, scenic, and accessible routes that will be enjoyed for years to come. I’m excited for residents and visitors alike to enjoy this enhanced connection, strengthening both our local trail network and the ties between our towns.”

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For residents who frequent Philbrick Park, the new bridge represents a renewed invitation to enjoy the outdoors. Families, hikers, and cyclists will now have smoother access to extended trails, while the park itself gains improved infrastructure that reflects the town’s commitment to preserving and enhancing public spaces.

As autumn approaches, the bridge is expected to become a popular destination, offering picturesque views of the changing leaves and a reminder of the value of investing in community connections. With its completion, Penfield has not only improved a well-loved park but also built a foundation for future projects that bring people closer to nature—and to each other.