Get Moving with Flower City Feeling Good 2018
The annual Flower City Feeling Good series offers many opportunities to get fit and be fascinated around Rochester's neighborhoods and natural areas.
Explore nature and the city’s amazing historic parks and neighborhoods by bike, on foot or in canoes by participating in Tuesday and Thursday Nature Nights, and more! Walks, jogs and rides are leisurely with slight grade changes, mostly on paths or sidewalks. Call 428-6770 for more information. Read on for the (very) full schedule!
Tuesday Night Guided Bicycle Tours
Tuesdays, May 1 through August 28, 2018
Explore the City’s natural and built environments- rides will highlight neighborhoods, City landmarks, natural wonders and the rich history of our great city. Cancellations due to weather will be made at start time on the site of the ride. All rides start promptly at 6 p.m., please be ready to ride on time. Helmets are required. For more information call: 585-428-8820.
Northeast Quadrant Recreation Centers: May 1.
Meet at the Thomas P. Ryan R-Center (530 Webster Avenue). This ride will highlight the R-Center facilities located in the NE quadrant of the City including: Gantt, Avenue D and Carter Street R-Centers.
Northwest Quadrant Recreation Centers: May 8.
Meet at Rochester Parks Administration Offices (400 Dewey Avenue). This ride will highlight the R-Center facilities located in the NW quadrant of the City including: Edgerton, and Campbell Street R-Centers.
Southeast Quadrant Recreation Centers: May 15.
Meet at Lake Riley Lodge (100 Norris Drive). This ride will highlight the R-Center facilities located in the SE quadrant of the City including: Frederick Douglass and Humboldt R-Centers.
Southwest Quadrant Recreation Centers: May 22.
Meet at the Genesee Valley Sports Complex (131 Elmwood Avenue). This ride will highlight the R-Center facilities located in the SW quadrant of the City including: Flint Street and Roxie Sinkler R-Centers.
Seneca and Turning Point Parks: May 29.
Meet at Seneca Park Zoo parking lot. Cross over to the west side of the Genesee River to ride on the Genesee Riverway Trail north to the Port of Rochester. Spectacular views of the river gorge. Ride on the 4,000 foot boardwalk in Turning Point basin, and under the O’Rouke Bridge. A 12 mile ride on a paved trail with a few moderate hills. This ride is repeated during the River Romance Weekend, October 9 at 1:00p.m.
High Falls Neighborhood: June 5.
Meet at the Pont de Rennes Bridge, at the Centers at High Falls. Travel along the Genesee Riverway Trail and by road into the community. Ride through downtown Rochester, Genesee Valley Park, Corn Hill neighborhood and the Susan B. Anthony neighborhood. A 10 mile ride on flat terrain, city roads and paved trail. This ride is repeated during the River Romance Weekend, October 8 at 1:00p.m.
Genesee Valley Park Neighborhood: June 12.
Meet at the Genesee Valley Park pool parking lot, 131 Elmwood Avenue. Bike on the Erie Canal, Genesee Riverway, Lehigh Valley North and Genesee Valley Greenway Trails. A 12.5 mile ride on flat terrain, paved and unpaved trails.
South Wedge Neighborhood: June 19.
Meet at the Genesee Valley Park pool parking lot, 131 Elmwood Avenue. Bike on the Genesee Riverway Trial and in the bicycle lane on South Ave in the South Wedge, a neighborhood which is enjoying a rebirth with new housing and businesses. An 11 mile ride on paved trail and City roads.
Durand Eastman and Seabreeze: June 26.
Meet at the Summerville Genesee River parking lot at the end of St. Paul Blvd. Enjoy the beauty of Durand Beach, Durand Eastman Park, and the Seabreeze Neighborhood. A 10.5 mile ride which includes paved roads, trails and one hill climb.
Seneca and Turning Point Parks: July 3.
Meet at Seneca Park Zoo parking lot. Cross over to the west side of the Genesee River to ride on the Genesee Riverway Trail north to the Port of Rochester. Spectacular views of the river gorge. Ride on the 4,000 foot boardwalk in Turning Point basin, and under the O’Rouke Bridge. A 12 mile ride on a paved trail with a few moderate hills. University Ave. Neighborhood of the Arts: July 17. Begin at the Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union Street. Ride along University Ave. to view sidewalk art and enjoy the George Eastman House gardens. A 10 mile ride on flat terrain, city roads.
Park Avenue Neighborhood: July 24.
Meet at the University Avenue Business Center, 1044 University Avenue. Ride along East Ave. to view the beautiful mansions along East Ave. and Brighton Cobbs Hill Neighborhood. A 10 mile ride on City roads
Erie Canal to Pittsford July 31.
Erie Canal Ride: Meet at the Genesee Valley Park pool parking lot, 131 Elmwood Ave. Bike on the Genesee Riverway Trial and explore the Corn Hill neighborhood to view the many historic and stately homes. A 10 mile ride on paved trail and City roads.
Charlotte Neighborhood and Lake Ontario State Parkway Trail: August 7.
Meet at the Abbott’s Charlotte parking lot by Estes Street. Enjoy great views of Lake Ontario and the ponds along Edgemere Drive with beach front homes. Ride includes a short walk along the Lake Ontario beach front ‘Secret Sidewalk’ by beautiful lakeside homes. A 13.6 mile ride on paved trails and roads.
Corn Hill Neighborhood: August 14.
Meet at the Genesee Valley Park pool parking lot, 131 Elmwood Avenue. Bike on the Genesee Riverway Trial and explore the Corn Hill neighborhood to view the many historic and stately homes. A 10 mile ride on paved trail and City roads.
Maplewood Neighborhood: August 21.
Meet at the Rose Garden parking lot, Lake Ave. & Driving Park Avenue. Ride on the Genesee Riverway Trail through Seneca Park and view the stately homes on Seneca Parkway. Enjoy close up views of the Lower Falls and the Genesee River Gorge. Ride the El Camino Trail and the Rochester Gas & Electric Middle Falls Dam Trail Bridge. A 9 mile ride on a paved trail and City roads with a few moderate hills.
Erie Canal Genesee Valley Park to Brighton Town Park: August 28.
Meet at the Genesee Valley Park pool parking lot 131 Elmwood Avenue. Bike on the Genesee Riverway Trail and the Erie Canal Trail east to Brighton Town Park. View the University of Rochester Campus, Empire State College Campus and Genesee Valley Park. A 8.5 mile ride on paved trails.
THURSDAY NIGHT HISTORY & NATURE WALKS
Thursdays, June 7 through August 23, 2018
Thursday Evening Walks will highlight the historical and natural wonders of the City of Rochester. Walks last approximately 90 minutes. Wear comfortable footwear.
Spring Birds in Washington Grove. Monday, May 8- 7:30 a.m.
Meet at the kiosk atop Cobbs Hill Reservoir in the open field behind the pine grove (take the reservoir road off of Highland Ave.). Join naturalist Peter Debes of the Friends of Washington Grove as we delight in songs and sights of warblers, vireos, thrushes, woodpeckers, kinglets, flycatchers and more. Binoculars needed. Dull green or brown clothing best. Cancelled if high wind or storm.
Neighborhood of the Arts. June 7, 6 p.m.
Meet outside Starry Nites coffee shop at 696 University Avenue. The thriving Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA), whose tag line is ‘Home is Where the Art Is,’ has transformed into a vibrant neighborhood over the past decade. Take a walk with the Neighborhood of the Arts Association’s Evan Lowenstein and be immersed in the past, present and future of this energetic and eclectic area of the City.
Downtown Rochester. June 14, 6 p.m.
Meet at Midtown Commons, corner of Elm and Cortland. From the redevelopment of Midtown to the Inner Loop Transformation, Downtown Rochester has seen a lot of changes in the past decade. The coming years will bring even more. Take a stroll with City of Rochester Senior Planner/Urban Design Specialist Jason Haremza to see some of these recent changes, learn more about the city’s vision for “lively streets”, and experience the renewed energy downtown.
Washington Grove. June 21, 6 p.m.
Meet at the kiosk atop Cobbs Hill Reservoir in the open field behind the pine grove (take the reservoir road off of Highland Ave.). Join members of the Friends of Washington Grove to walk through the canopy of 250 year old Oak trees and find out about Washington Grove’s natural and cultural history, its many changes and what the future may hold.
Corn Hill. June 28, 6 p.m.
Meet at Ralph Avery Mall at the intersection of Frederick Douglas and Adams Street. Join Historian Jim DeVinney on a tour highlighting the history of how the Corn Hill Arts Festival and its supporters saved a historic Rochester neighborhood. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the festival-come learn about an amazing story of civic pride and the rebirth of Rochester’s first residential neighborhood.
Highland Park. July 12, 6 p.m.
Meet outside of the Lamberton Conservatory. Join Monroe County Horticulturist Susan Maney, for a tour of Highland Park - the first Olmsted designed park in Rochester. The tour will highlight the unique and historic trees that make the park such a horticultural gem. Parking available along Reservoir Avenue.
Downtown Heritage Trail. July 19, 6 p.m.
Meet on the north side of the Rundel Memorial Library Building at the corner of Broad Street and South Avenue. Join Deputy City Historian Michelle Finn for a walking tour of Rochester's Downtown Heritage Trail, an urban path that tells the story of the city's past through its buildings and landmarks. The tour ends at the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House; consider visiting the House, or catch the free shuttle back to the Rundel library.
Washington Grove. July 26, 6 p.m.
Meet at the kiosk atop Cobbs Hill Reservoir in the open field behind the pine grove (take the reservoir road off of Highland Ave.). Join members of the Friends of Washington Grove to walk through the canopy of 250 year old Oak trees and find out about Washington Grove’s natural and cultural history, its many changes and what the future may hold.
Lower Falls Gorge Tour. August 2, 6 p.m.
Meet at the Maplewood Rose Garden parking lot at the corner of Lake and Driving Park. Join Gorge Guides on a tour of both the upper and lower falls, and learn about the history of the forgotten sites of Carthage and McCrackenville.
Seneca Park. August 16, 6 p.m.
Meet at the Wegmans Lodge parking lot along the park road in Seneca Park. Join retired City of Rochester Senior Landscape Architect and Olmsted Parks Committee Chairwoman Joann Beck on a tour of the Olmsted designed Seneca Park. Explore this unique 297 acre park designed by the ‘father of landscape architecture’ Frederick Law Olmsted- and enjoy woodland trails, wildlife along Trout Lake, and scenic views of the Genesee River Gorge.
El Camino Trail. August 23, 6 p.m.
Meet at Conkey Corner Park- at the corner of Conkey and Clifford Avenue. Join the Genesee Land Trust on a walk of El Camino, a 2.2 mile urban, multi-use trail .The Thomas R. Frey Trail at El Camino, a rails to trail project opened in 2012, is most notably known for its unique murals and trail markers that reflect the cultural history of the area. Learn more at: www.myelcamino.org
Wednesday Night Zumba In The Parks
The City of Rochester boasts an array of beautiful parks and green spaces. This summer, the City of Rochester has partnered with the Maplewood Family YMCA to offer family friendly Zumba classes in beautiful park settings. All classes are FREE and open to all abilities. Exercise sessions start at 6 p.m.
Zumba @ Maplewood Rose Garden.
Meet in the Rose Garden parking lot at Lake Avenue and Driving Park Avenue.
• July 11th
• July 18th
• July 25th
• August 1st
Zumba @ Cobbs Hill Park.
Meet at the Lake Riley Lodge Parking lot off of Norris Drive.
• August 8th
• August 15th
• August 22nd
Wednesdays On The Water Guided Paddles
Join us for an enjoyable and educational row along the Genesee River! Trips will leave from Seth Green Park and will end at the Port of Rochester- total trip will last approximately two hours. Paddle trip is $20.00 per adult; $10.00 for youth under 18. Canoes will be provided by the Genesee Waterways Center. Maximum two adults per canoe. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. To register, visit the Genesee Waterways Center (GWC) website at www.geneseewaterways.org/events.
• Wednesday, June 13th (5:30-8 p.m.) ------Has Been Cancelled
• Wednesday, July 11th (5:30- 8 p.m.)
• Wednesday, August 8th (5:30-8 p.m.)
The Genesee Waterways Center (GWC) is the City of Rochester’s partner for adult and youth programming in many things related to our area’s beautiful water resources. This summer, join (bring) your family and friends to experience an afternoon/evening of paddling on the beautiful Genesee River, Erie Canal and on Red Creek. For more information: www.geneseewaterways.org.
Weekly, beginning April 16: Adult rowing classes begin “on the water” at Genesee Waterways Center (GWC) in Genesee Valley Park. Programs are open to anyone 18 and over. Beginner, recreational, intermediate and competitive rowing programs are held throughout the spring, summer and fall. Join the many happy people rowing with GWC! www.GeneseeWaterways.org
Daily, beginning May 26th: Daily kayak and canoe rentals open for the season Memorial Day weekend at the Genesee Waterways Center, 149 Elmwood Ave, (in Genesee Valley Park, past the ice rink/swimming pool complex). Visit www.GeneseeWaterways.org for schedule.
ALL Spring/Summer: Take up to 40 people on field trips for school outings, scouting/youth groups and company events. Build lifetime memories and treat your group to a few hours of kayaking and canoeing from GWC on the Genesee River, Erie Canal and Red Creek! Many dates are still open. Contact GWC for scheduling and rate information.
Saturday, June 2: Learn to Row Day events at the Genesee Waterways Center from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Give rowing a try! Adults and kids ages 12 and older are invited. Come out and experience this great sport. For pre-registration and more information, visit www.GeneseeWaterways.org
Monday-Friday, Beginning June 25: Try the thrilling sport of whitewater kayaking! Youth and adult Whitewater Kayak Clinics happen at Lock 32 (2797 Clover Street) in Pittsford. Genesee Waterways Center's exceptional coaches and controlled facility teaches teens and adults to excel at this exciting sport. The unique venue offers controllable water levels for more than 100 days a year. Information is available at www.GeneseeWaterways.org
Saturday, July 7: The 17th annual Armond Bassett Canoe and Kayak Race. New competitors and spectators are welcome! Visit www.GeneseeWaterways.org
Saturday/Sunday, October 6-7: You are invited to watch the Head of the Genesee regatta, a rowing competition for high school, collegiate, corporate and Masters athletes. Consider getting a team together by July and train in the Corporate Challenge event! Visit www.GeneseeWaterways.org for information.