by Taylor Divico

Created on: July 25, 2009

"Take your pick!" Rochester NY's Genesee Valley Park offers over eight-hundred sprawling acres of land that holds; two golf courses, seven baseball diamonds, a soccer field, canoe launch, swimming pool, and plenty of trails for those on foot or bike. It gets better! Even in winter, this innovative park can be enjoyed by ice skaters and hockey enthusiasts alike. Genesee Valley Park is a haven for those who love the "great outdoors" year-round.

Golf:
Feeling under par? Genesee Valley Park is home to two historic eighteen-hole golf courses named North Course and South Course. Both were built in the early twentieth century and have grown to include several amenities such as; a clubhouse, pro-shop, three practice greens, a driving range, snack bar, and restaurant. In addition to league play and tournament opportunities, the courses extend to include; clinics, lessons, and camps for adults and children to participate in.

Enjoy the Aquatics Center:
During summer, an Olympic-size swimming pool with water slides is full of refreshing entertainment. Snack bars and cheap swimming fees are amongst the highlights, along with; swimming lessons and birthday parties for children. During winter, the Genesee Valley Park Aquatics Center's indoor ice arena hosts open ice skating, youth hockey, league hockey, birthday parties, and college hockey. Those not interested in braving the ice can enjoy a spectator sport all the same.

Get Sporty:
There are seven baseball diamonds, a soccer field, and a cricket field conveniently located around the park. All fields remain available for practice and league play, and can be rented for events or occasions. Also, GVP allows boating and fishing access to the Genesee River, Red Creek, and Barge Canal. Canoing and kayaking are popular activities within the park waterways. Hiking and biking trails extend from the natural environment of the park into downtown Rochester, offering cultural and historic scenery along the way. As the terrain of the park becomes snow-covered, it lends itself to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Throw a Party:
Have a small family picnic or party for free at any of the eight sheltered picnic areas. If your guest list is longer, rent out the field house for a larger event. The Genesee Valley Park has a field house on-site with; tables, chairs, restrooms, grills, and a working kitchen. Functions can be scheduled in advance, costing $150 per day. There is accessible parking, areas for children to play, and a large indoor space for occupancy. The field house is a prime location for birthdays, showers, reunions, and picnics, with the entire park at a guest's fingertips.

Rochester's Genesee Valley Park can readily accommodate the active lifestyle, while providing an entertaining and relaxing environment for everyone to enjoy. It is a place for all seasons and types to explore the natural beauty and versatility of upstate New York.

Learn more about this author, Taylor Divico.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.