Monroe County Executive Adam Bello invites residents to a public open house in Northampton Park to share ideas for improving the community trail system

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County leaders are inviting residents to take an active role in shaping the future of one of the community’s most cherished outdoor spaces. County Executive Adam Bello announced that an upcoming Public Open House will give residents the chance to weigh in on potential improvements to the trail system at Northampton Park. The event is set for Thursday, October 16, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Knollwood Lodge, located on Salmon Creek Road inside the park.

The gathering is being organized by the Monroe County Parks Department in partnership with consultants from Environmental Design & Research, Landscape Architecture, Engineering & Environmental Services (EDR). Together, they will begin the process of evaluating how the park’s network of trails can be upgraded, expanded, and better maintained for future use.

“Public input is crucial to making our parks the best they can be for our community,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “I invite all Monroe County residents to join us for this open house to discuss trail improvements at Northampton Park. Your voice and vision will inform the choices we make, and shape the future of our parks, as we work to make them more welcoming and accessible for all residents. I look forward to hearing everyone’s ideas as we work together to enhance the trail system at Northampton Park.”

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Northampton Park, located on the county’s west side, is a popular destination for walking, biking, and family recreation. Its trails connect wooded areas, open fields, and streams, making it a valuable natural escape close to local neighborhoods. But like many public parks, the trail system is aging and in need of assessment. Officials hope this study will help identify where improvements are most needed—whether that means resurfacing existing trails, adding signage, or even considering new paths that expand the park’s recreational options.

Monroe County Legislator Robert Colby, who represents the area, emphasized that residents have already played a key role in highlighting the importance of trail improvements. “Over the past year, I have worked closely with my partners in government to evaluate and strengthen the trail system at Northampton Park,” Colby said. “I am grateful that we are now formally taking a fresh look at these trails, guided by the voices of park patrons, families, and community organizations. Together, we are building a safer, more welcoming space that reflects the priorities of Westside residents and ensures Northampton Park remains a place for everyone to enjoy. I encourage all who care about the trail system to share their input at the upcoming open house.”

The open house format will allow residents to speak directly with county staff and consultants from EDR, who will lead the project. The consulting team has been tasked with conducting a full study of the trail network, analyzing how trails are used, identifying who benefits most from them, and exploring opportunities for safe expansion. By gathering firsthand experiences from community members, the study aims to align technical recommendations with the everyday realities of parkgoers.

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For county officials, the open house is about more than planning trails—it is also a way of strengthening community ties. Parks are among the most visible public spaces, and decisions about how they are developed can shape the quality of life for thousands of residents. By hosting this conversation in the park itself, officials hope to underscore that the people who use Northampton every day will have a say in its future.

The meeting at Knollwood Lodge will be informal and open to anyone who wishes to participate. Displays and maps will be available, and visitors can leave written comments in addition to speaking with the project team. For those unable to attend, county representatives have said additional opportunities for feedback will be made available as the study progresses.

With the trail system serving as the backbone of Northampton Park’s outdoor activities, the upcoming open house marks the start of a broader effort to invest in safe, accessible, and enjoyable recreational spaces across Monroe County. Residents who attend will help shape not only the future of Northampton Park but also the county’s vision for what its park system can become.