News Release - City Kicks-off Rochester River Romance Weekend

 

City of Rochester

News Release

 

City Kicks-off Rochester River Romance Weekend

(Friday, October 4, 2014) –
Mayor Lovely A. Warren was joined by Department of Recreation and Youth Services Commissioner Marisol O. Ramos-Lopez, Department of Environmental Services Commissioner Norman H. Jones and City Councilmember Adam McFadden to mark the start of the city’s 2014 River Romance Weekend event series with a ceremonial ribbon on the newly-renovated Genesee Valley Sports Complex and recently expanded Genesee Riverway Trail system.

“River Romance, the Genesee Valley Sports Complex and the Genesee Riverway Trail are amenities that add significantly to our quality of life,” said Mayor Warren. “I am proud of our beautiful city and especially grateful to the people who work so hard to sustain our natural resources and maintain facilities and parks of historical importance, ensuring that these features can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

More than 40 autumn-themed activities will be offered during River Romance Weekend, October 3 through 5. Events include tours of historic sites along the Genesee River gorge, guided walks, bike rides, Civil War re-enactments, river cruises, kayak excursions and, of course--romance. For the tenth consecutive year, Rochester’s most romantic couples will have the opportunity to renew their vows tonight at 7 p.m. on the beautiful Pont des Rennes Bridge in High Falls at the Renew Your Vows couples event. City Court Judge Charles Crimi will preside. No prior registration required. Couples are invited to a reception immediately following in the High Falls Visitors Center and Museum, 60 Brown's Race.

The Genesee Valley Sports Complex and Ice Arena, located at 131 Elmwood Ave., has recently undergone an extensive $2.1 million renovation which includes new lockers, flooring, lighting, rink glass, deck, showers, refrigeration unit and updated vendor area. The rink hosts open skating, hockey leagues and a variety of events throughout fall and winter. River Romance at the Arena features open family skating on Saturday, October 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. and Sunday, October 5 from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. and 4 to 5:15 p.m. For Arena information and schedules, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/GVPSC.

The 16 mile-long scenic Genesee Riverway Trail running along the Genesee River from the Erie Canal to Downtown and Lake Ontario, has undergone $1.7 million worth of upgrades to provide greater access to the trail throughout the city. Improvements to the multi-use trail include new connections to the Genesee Valley Sports Complex, the Plymouth Avenue Greenway and Harding Brewster Park--a new trail head at St. Paul Street. Open space enhancements between the Pont de Rennes Bridge and Smith Street have also been made. For more information on the Genesee Riverway Trail, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/grt.

A full River Romance Weekend schedule is posted at www.cityofrochester.gov/riverromance.

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News Media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo, 428-7135.