Pocket park open in downtown Rochester

The Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA) on Monday, October 9, announced the opening of the city's new pocket p[ark at the corner of Walnut and University, on the north side of the Walnut parking structure.

The park is one of two constructed by the DDA this year in response to requests from the community for additional downtown gathering spaces, said DDA Director Kristi Trevarrow.

In creating the parking structure, the city vacated part of Walnut Street to allow for the creation of the park. Improvements include benches, grass and native plantings, as well as a memorial monument and plaque. Those improvements were funded by a donation from the Modetz family.

The park is one of two new parks underway this year. A northern park, at University and Walnut, dubbed Promenade Park, will include a Wall of Fame, which will allow individuals, families and businesses to sponsor plaques. The funds will support capital improvement in the downtown district.

The city, which owns the land where the parks are located, approved the park projects in April with a $168,000 budget for reconstruction. Seeking additional funding, the city partnered with the DDA to complete the parks.