Philbrick Park footbridge reconstruction in the Town of Penfield earns regional Project of the Year recognition from the Genesee Valley APWA

Penfield, New York – The Town of Penfield is drawing regional attention for a project that quietly reshaped one of its most beloved outdoor spaces. The reconstruction of the Philbrick Park footbridge has been named Infrastructure Project of the Year by the Genesee Valley Chapter of the American Public Works Association, a distinction that highlights both engineering achievement and community impact.

Town officials formally accepted the award during a ceremony held Thursday, January 29. Representing Penfield were Town Supervisor Kevin Berry, Town Board Member Bill Lang, Town Engineer Mark Valentine, and Assistant Town Engineer Mike O’Connor. The recognition places the Philbrick Park project among the most notable public works efforts in the Genesee Valley region.

At the heart of the honor is a newly constructed, 500-foot-long footbridge that opened to the public in September 2025. The structure replaced a series of aging wooden walkways that had deteriorated beyond practical repair. Years of exposure and heavy use had taken a toll, prompting town leaders to pursue a long-term solution rather than temporary fixes.

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The result is a modern bridge designed to last for decades while improving how residents and visitors move through the park. The new footbridge strengthens trail connections to the south and provides a seamless link to the Town of Perinton’s Spring Lake Trail. For walkers, runners, and families, it has transformed what was once a fragmented path into a continuous, accessible route through one of Penfield’s most scenic natural areas.

Town Supervisor Kevin Berry emphasized that the award reflects teamwork and shared purpose across departments and partners.

“This award reflects the hard work and dedication of so many people who helped bring this project to life. The new footbridge underscores our ongoing commitment to making the Town of Penfield more accessible and more connected for everyone.”

Accessibility and connectivity were guiding principles throughout the project. Beyond replacing worn infrastructure, the bridge was designed to accommodate a wider range of users, ensuring that more residents can enjoy the park without barriers. The improved connection to neighboring Perinton also strengthens regional trail networks, encouraging outdoor recreation across town lines.

Town Engineer Mark Valentine echoed those sentiments, pointing to the collaborative effort behind the scenes.

“It was a privilege to be a part of this unique project. I want to thank our internal team and our contractors, led by MRB Group, for making this project a huge success. The new footbridge is something that our community can be very proud of and will be enjoyed for many years to come.”

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The American Public Works Association is a national professional organization that supports and recognizes excellence in public works. With chapters across the country, APWA highlights projects that demonstrate innovation, durability, and public benefit. The Genesee Valley Chapter evaluates local projects that improve infrastructure while serving the long-term needs of communities.

For Penfield, the recognition goes beyond a single structure. It signals a broader investment in parks, trails, and public spaces that enhance daily life. The Philbrick Park footbridge now stands not only as a physical connection across the landscape, but also as a symbol of thoughtful planning and community-focused design.

As residents continue to use the trail year-round, the bridge’s impact will likely be measured less by awards and more by footsteps, conversations, and moments of quiet enjoyment along the water. Still, the Project of the Year honor confirms what many in Penfield already knew: sometimes, the most meaningful infrastructure projects are the ones that bring people together, one step at a time.