For Immediate Release

June 6, 2008

Genesee Land Trust Awarded $100,000 from City to Begin Corner Park

Groundbreaking and Open House Scheduled for June 7th 10 a.m. to noon

At Corner of Clifford and Conkey Avenues

The City of Rochester has awarded Genesee Land Trust $100,000 as part of the City’s Sector capital project funding for the design and construction of a corner park on two vacant lots at the corner of Glifford and Conkey Avenues in the city. The construction of the corner park will serve as the groundbreaking for the entire El Camino, a two-plus mile trail to be developed on the City-owned railroad bed from Seneca Park to St. Paul Street, as well as the neighborhood entrance to the trail.  The Corner Park will be designed and constructed in 2008 while the trail construction will take place in 2009.

“Because this grant comes to us directly, we can begin to use it quickly,” said Tom Frey, board member of Genesee Land Trust, who spearheaded the trail project since its inception. “We want something in place that will be the entrance to the trail… to welcome people…it will show people what the trail will be like.”  “The design could include many things, such as a playground, information kiosks and benches and input from people in the neighborhood is and has been very important to the success of this project,” said Frey.

Tom Robinson of Environmental Design and Research (EDR) is the principal designer and like Frey, has been with the trail project for a long time, completing a preliminary study of the trail’s development that was funded in part by the Rochester Area Community Foundation in 2002.

Further, the development of El Camino is funded by a federal Transportation Enhancement Project Grant, a donation by Eastman Kodak Company, and funds secured from the State of New York, helped by Assemblywoman, Susan John.

The Goundbreaking of the park and Open House takes place tomorrow at the Corner Park at Clifford and Conkey Avenues Saturday, June 7th from 10 to 11 a.m.  The designs of the park and trail, created with from community suggestions, will be revealed. Children and families are welcomed and refreshments will be served. This event is organized by Genesee Land Trust, Group 14621, the Ibero-American Development Corporaton and Environmental Design & Research.  For more information about the June 7th event call Ellen Micoli Soffa at 271-0040.

Genesee Land Trust is a non-profit organization. It protects 3000 acres of natural lands and waterways, farmland, scenic and recreational lands in the Greater Rochester area.  It was founded by residents of the area in 1989.  Gay Mills is executive director.  Visit www.geneseelandtrust.org or call (585) 256-2130

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Contact for El Camino and Corner Park Project:

Tom Frey, board member, Genesee Land Trust

(585) 271-8475

Cell: (585) 419-5129