Maplewood Park and Rose Garden

Maplewood Drive and Seneca Parkway 14613  map

Use the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority's Google Trip Planner to get a bus to the Park

Features and Amenities 

History

Located in the northwest quadrant of the city, Maplewood Park is one of two original parks laid out by Frederick Law Olmsted to highlight the Genesee River.

Breathtaking scenic views make this park a must-see spot in Rochester. The diverse park stretches alongside two miles of Lake Avenue. Over the years, the spirit of involvement by the Maplewood Community Association has enhanced the beauty and enjoyment of the park.

On June 15, 1958 the Stecher Memorial Fountain honoring the late Frank A. Stecher was dedicated in Maplewood Park at 2:30 p.m. during the Rose Garden ceremonies. The fountain, made of Etowah pink Georgia marble, was presented to the city by Mrs. George C. Schlegel of 1132 East Ave., daughter of Mr. Stecher, founder of the Stecher Lithograph Company. Mayor Peter Barry accepted the $2,000 structure on behalf of the city.

The marble used in the fountain came from one of the first marble quarries of North Georgia. Etowah is a Cherokee Indian word meaning "red sunset". The choice of marble was thus quite appropriate, relating both the theme of roses and the fact that the Maplewood Park area was an important Indian site.

Mr. Stecher, a native of Germany, came to Rochester in 1870, and was the first American to organize a lithograph company in Japan. He was the first lithographer to use a two-color offset press. Stecher was thus an early pioneer of imaging technology, a Rochester tradition. Mr. Stecher was a director of several banks and a director of the Rochester Dental Dispensary. In 1906 he organized the National Association of Employing Lithographers, and was its president for three terms. He died in 1916.  

Rose Garden

Located off Driving Park Ave., the Rose Garden showcases a large collection of the most disease resistant and cold hardy roses available today. There are over 250 different cultivars on display, featuring everything from Abraham Darby to Zephirine Drouhin. The roses infuse an acre of land with their fragrant scent and bold colors from early June until nearly Thanksgiving. Outside the rose season, the garden grows bulbs, annuals, perennials, and evergreens.

Annual Events

Each June during the peak bloom time, The Maplewood Rose Celebration is a showcase for the the Maplewood Neighborhood and the Rose Garden with music, wine tastings, gorge tours, garden tours, children's activities, arts and crafts, and tours of historic homes around the area. The Rose Garden staff also regularly hold rose-care workshops. 

In October, the garden events that are part of the annual ROC the Riverway Weekend. This is a great time to see the river gorge in full autumnal leaf color and venture on a guided history walk.

Garden Tours

Private garden tours are available upon request by contacting the City Rosarian at: theresa.vankouwenberg@cityofrochester.gov

The Maplewood Rose Garden is a local ideal location for outdoor weddings or formal pictures. To make sure this special day goes as smoothly as possible, please obtain a Facility Use Permit (Find the  Facility Use Permit Application here) for two hours of use. Permits payments must be made with: check, money order or credit card (Cash payments are not accepted).

 See the different locations available for ceremonies in the park below.