County Executive Bello launches Parks 100 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Monroe County Parks system

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County is beginning a yearlong celebration of its parks system as it reaches a milestone 100 years after the county first established rules that paved the way for its public parks.

County Executive Adam Bello launched “Parks 100,” a series of events, activities and projects marking the centennial of the Monroe County Parks system. The celebration will highlight the history of the parks while encouraging residents to visit and explore the county’s 22 parks throughout the coming year.

The anniversary traces its roots to Oct. 1, 1926, when the first rules and regulations establishing a county parks system were adopted. One year later, on Oct. 1, 1927, Ellison Park opened as Monroe County’s first park.

A century later, the system has grown into 22 parks offering residents access to outdoor recreation, natural areas and community gathering spaces.

“One of Monroe County’s greatest assets is our access to the natural beauty and recreational spaces found in our County parks system,” said County Executive Bello. “Parks 100 is a perfect opportunity to reflect on our history and celebrate the uniqueness of our 22 county parks, all while keeping an eye to the future so that residents can continue to enjoy all our parks have to offer for the next 100 years to come.”

The Parks 100 initiative is designed to recognize how the system has changed over the past century while also drawing attention to continued efforts to maintain and improve those public spaces.

County officials said the anniversary will give residents opportunities to share stories about their experiences in local parks and take part in programs that connect recreation, photography, history and reading.

Investments continue across county parks

The centennial comes after several years of investments in the park system.

Since 2020, Bello’s administration has invested nearly $20 million in Monroe County parks. That work has included improvements to roads and lighting as well as efforts to bring facilities into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act where possible.

New and updated recreational features have also been added.

Those improvements include spray parks, canoe and kayak launches and pickleball courts. The county has also completed extensive renovations at several popular lodges and shelters, including Kanatota Lodge at Webster Park and Knollwood Lodge.

More projects are planned during the centennial year.

The county is preparing to break ground on the Tropics facility at Seneca Park Zoo and the Children’s Pavilion at Highland Park.

The Tropics project will include a 23,000-square-foot indoor experience along with a 5,000-square-foot outdoor habitat. The new facility is expected to feature orangutans, lizards, sharks and other animals.

Meanwhile, another project will bring back a piece of Highland Park’s history.

The Children’s Pavilion was originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and stood in Highland Park until 1963. The structure will now be rebuilt with a design intended to preserve the character of the original pavilion while adding modern accessibility features.

“We sincerely thank Monroe County for the establishment of our glorious park system, the pride of our community, and for the first one hundred years of commitment to the care and stewardship of our parks for all the public to enjoy forever,” said JoAnn Beck, President of the Highland Park Conservancy.

Encouraging residents to explore all 22 parks

While major construction and renovation projects are part of the county’s plans, Parks 100 also has a much simpler goal — encouraging people to get outside.

County officials want residents to experience all 22 parks.

To help them do that, Monroe County has launched the “Things to Do in the Parks” initiative. A different activity has been identified for each park, giving residents suggestions for exploring places they may not normally visit.

“Things to Do” cards are available at county libraries and can also be downloaded through the Parks 100 website.

Photography will provide another way to experience the parks during the anniversary.

The KODAK Camera Club, a community of photography and imaging enthusiasts, will hold three photography walks in 2027. The walks will give participants an opportunity to explore the parks while learning and taking photographs of the surrounding landscapes.

The first walk will be held at Highland Park on Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m. until noon.

A second event is scheduled for Durand-Eastman Park on Saturday, July 17, from 10 a.m. until noon.

The final scheduled walk will take place at Ontario Beach Park on Tuesday, July 20, from 6 to 8 p.m.

“The County parks are a great opportunity to experience the natural beauty of our area. What better way to capture that experience than with a photograph! The KODAK Camera Club is excited to participate in the Parks Centennial, share some knowledge, and have fun creating images in these great spaces,” said Matthew Stoffel, Director of the KODAK Camera Club.

Library program returns to the parks

Parks 100 will also bring books and storytelling outdoors through a revived library program.

The Monroe County Library System is introducing a special “Rochester Playground Library” series in the county parks.

The idea is based on a program that began around the turn of the previous century. Librarians traveled to playgrounds and read stories to children, moving traditional story time outside the library and into community recreation areas.

The Rochester Public Library will revive that approach for the centennial with 10 events spread across 2027.

The series begins at Mendon Ponds Park on Jan. 8 at 10 a.m., followed by Powder Mills Park on Feb. 12 and Black Creek Park on March 12.

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Additional events are scheduled at Ellison Park on April 9, Durand-Eastman Park on May 14 and Greece Canal Park on June 11.

During the summer, the program will visit Highland Park on July 9 and Webster Park on Aug. 13. The final two events will be held at Seneca Park on Sept. 10 and Northampton Park on Oct. 8.

Each program is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

“Libraries and parks have so much in common. Both are free public spaces where people can gather, explore, learn, and connect with their communities,” said Emily Clasper, Director of the Monroe County Library System. “The Rochester Playground Library brings those experiences together in a wonderful way, inviting families to discover something through a story and then step outside and experience it for themselves. We are thrilled to celebrate 100 years of Monroe County Parks by bringing stories, learning, and exploration into these incredible community spaces.”

Harvest Fest to return in 2027

The year of celebrations will eventually conclude with another community event.

Bello announced that Monroe County’s Harvest Fest will return on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2027, and serve as a closing event for the Parks 100 celebration.

The county held its first Harvest Fest on Sept. 26 at Northampton Park, attracting nearly 5,000 people.

Visitors took part in several fall-themed activities, including scarecrow building and free pumpkins. Activities were also offered in partnership with neighboring Springdale Farm.

The festival’s planned return adds another event to a centennial calendar intended to give residents different ways to experience the county parks throughout the year.

From photography walks and outdoor story times to major construction projects and family events, Parks 100 will combine the history of Monroe County’s park system with plans for its future.

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The anniversary also brings the parks system back to where its story began.

The county adopted the rules that established the system on Oct. 1, 1926. Ellison Park followed exactly one year later, becoming the first county park.

Now, 100 years after those initial steps, Monroe County is using the centennial to celebrate what developed from them — while continuing improvements intended to keep the parks available and accessible for future generations.

Residents can find suggested activities for each of Monroe County’s 22 parks and updates about Parks 100 community events through the county’s Parks 100 website.