Highland Park in Rochester in Monroe County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Highland Park
City Views, Country Views
Visitors standing atop the 46-foot tall pavilion that once stood on this site could admire views of both downtown Rochester and the Bristol Hills.
The high point of Highland Park was crowned by the Children's Pavilion, a round two- story structure that offered panoramic views of the city and the countryside from its open decks. The pavilion was the focal point of Frederick Law Olmsted's design, and was visible on the skyline from near and far.
The pavilion was a gift to the children of Rochester from George Ellwanger and Patrick Barry, the nurserymen who donated the land that made up much of the original park. It was built, as designed by Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge Architects of Boston.
The original pavilion was removed in 1963, but many in Rochester remember it as a high point of their experience in the park. The scenic overlook at Highland Park still serves "..to give the lungs a bath of pure sunny air, to give the mind a suggestion of rest from the..strife of town life.." Frederick Law Olmsted, "Public Parks and the Enlargement of Towns", 1870.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 43° 7.916′ N, 77° 36.187′ W. Marker is in Rochester, New York, in Monroe County. It is in Highland Park. Marker can be reached from Reservoir Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rochester NY 14620, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Children's Pavilion (a few steps from this marker); Rochester Water Works (approx. 0.2 miles away); Trophy Cannon (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Highland Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); Douglass Home (approx. 0.3 miles away); Frederick Douglass Home Site (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ambrose Hall (approx. half a mile away); Mount Hope Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rochester.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 267 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 30, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. 2. submitted on October 23, 2020, by Lugnuts of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.