April 14th, 2023
The playground, part of the Go Outside Monroe Parks Revitalization Initiative, replaces 15-year-old equipment and is expected to open in early June.
Spanish Language Version (PDF)
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, along with County Legislator John Baynes and Director of Parks Patrick Meredith, today broke ground for a new playground in Powder Mills Park. The playground is part of the County Executive’s ongoing $16.6 million Go Outside Monroe Parks Revitalization initiative, which seeks to renovate and upgrade facilities and infrastructure throughout the county’s 23 park system.
“For too long, our parks were outdated and falling apart, reflecting decades-long disinvestment and inadequate repair and upkeep,” said County Executive Bello. “Monroe County residents deserve better. Investing in our parks isn’t just about investing in our community’s infrastructure, it’s investing in our future, our health and our well-being. I invite all residents to come out to our parks and see the outstanding work done by Parks Director Patrick Meredith and his talented staff.”
The new playground, in a natural color scheme of greens and browns and featuring animal- themed equipment, is expected to open near the beginning of June.
“County Executive Adam Bello and our outstanding Parks Department, under the leadership of Pat Meredith have kept their promise to make our parks family friendly, safe, and the pride of the people,” said County Legislator John Baynes (East Rochester, Perinton), whose current district includes Powder Mills Park.
The Go Outside Monroe initiative began with a $7.2 million investment in 2021 and expanded by an additional $9.4 million in 2022. Numerous projects have already been completed, including: newly paved roads, roof replacements and repairs at lodges and shelters; renovated bathrooms; lighting upgrades; and structural repairs at facilities including Sandpiper Shelter at Ontario Beach Park, the Robach Community Center and the Colby Pulver House Museum Barn at Northhampton Park in Sweden.
Additionally, the county opened a synthetic ice rink in Ontario Beach Park, renovated the ski lodge in Northampton Park and installed pickleball courts in Black Creek and Mendon Ponds parks. Significant upgrades were also made to facilities, course irrigation and drainage systems at Churchville, Genesee Valley and Durand Eastman golf courses.
Still on tap are a spray park at Ontario Beach, renovation of the historic Dentzel Carousel and an ADA-accessible canoe/kayak launch at Churchville Park.
