Press Release
September 15, 2023
(518) 486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov
New Trail Connection Complete at Seneca Lake State Park
Project connects the City of Geneva's trail system to the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Department of Transportation and the City of Geneva have teamed up to create a long-sought extension of the Lakefront Trail in Seneca Lake State Park. The new 2,130-foot-long, 27-foot-wide paved trail connects the City of Geneva's trail system to the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail.
"With this project to connect Seneca Lake State Park to the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail, we are ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for Geneva residents and visitors to walk, run or bike," State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. "The Finger Lakes Region offers extraordinary opportunities for outdoor recreation, and I'm grateful for our partners coming together to enhance this important asset."
"The New York State Department of Transportation is steadfast in its commitment to supporting bicyclist and pedestrian infrastructure, which is why we are so proud to have helped complete the Seneca Lake State Park lakefront trail," said State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. "The City of Geneva already is a premier destination within the Finger Lakes region, and now, through partnership and collaboration, we've elevated that status for the thousands of residents and visitors who will utilize the trail. Thank you to all of the countless individuals whose time, commitment, and dedication made today possible."
"The City of Geneva is grateful that the last remaining unpaved section of the Seneca Lake State Parks Lakefront Trail has now been resurfaced," said Joseph Venuti, City of Geneva Director of Public Works. "This scenic trail gives local residents and Finger Lakes visitors safe access east to the Cayuga Seneca Canal Trail and west to Geneva's Lakefront Park. We encourage walkers, runners and cyclists to visit the beautiful lakefront and enjoy the trails that provide safe access to downtown Geneva and all that our Business Improvement District has to offer. The Geneva DPW appreciates the working relationships we have formed with both the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Department of Transportation staff. Good communications and cooperation on projects such as this are important to our community and underline what can be accomplished when multiple agencies collaborate and work together."
"Collaboration, communication, and a willingness to enrich the lives of our residents and visitors are the pathways to any project's success," said State Senator Pam Helming. "Planning, hard work, and a vision for the future made this project achievable. We are so fortunate in the 54th District to be able to enjoy these beautiful natural resources. This trail extension will further connect people looking to explore the Finger Lakes Region, boost tourism, and help grow our small business economy."
"Connecting Seneca Lake State Park to the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail is a wonderful addition to Geneva's continued revitalization," said Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan. "Thank you to State Parks, the State Department of Transportation and the City of Geneva for their collaboration to get this project done. I look forward to utilizing the trail connect myself and seeing my constituents out on the trail!"
The project refurbished an abandoned section of NYS Route 5, which was realigned in the 1960s to use a new divided highway built midway between the Lake Shore Road and Border City Road. DOT and the City of Geneva supplied labor and equipment for the project, while State Parks purchased $70,000 worth of materials and provided labor and equipment.
The project provides a safe, accessible connection between the City of Geneva's trails – including direct access to the Finger Lakes Welcome Center – and the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail, which spans 6.7 miles from Geneva to Waterloo. The State Park lakeside trail connects to the city's existing 3-mile park trail loop systems and the recently installed ½ mile mixed use and cycle track trails. The cycle track was funded through Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant money for the Rte. 5&20 Corridor Reconfiguration Project.
About New York State Parks
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 79.5 million visits in 2022. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the OPRHP Blog.