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Seneca Park in the News

Frederick Law Olmsted, A celebration of the life and work of Frederick Law Olmsted, founder of American landscape architecture. More on Frederick Law Olmsted

Vote on zoo may ease long feud - Brooks plan for bigger elephant exhibit cools dispute over expansion vs. preservation — The head of the Landmark Society of Western New York expected elephants to be an issue when he was invited recently to a meeting in Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks' office. (January 10, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle

Zoo deal preserves park, aids elephants - Proposal makes room for baby pachyderm, puts parking off site. — And a little elephant shall lead them to compromise. Monroe County officials announced Wednesday a plan that apparently ends a long-running rancorous debate over expansion of the Seneca Park Zoo. The zoo will expand northward, building a $4 million elephant exhibit on 8 acres. Most importantly, though, the plan calls for an expansion of zoo parking off-site instead of in the middle of the scenic park designed 111 years ago by the legendary Frederick Law Olmsted. (December 23, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle

WXXI: Seneca Park Added to Historic Register (2003-06-18) ROCHESTER, NY (2003-06-18) Rochester's Seneca Park has been added to New York's Register of Historic Places. That boosts the case of park advocates who don't want Monroe County to expand the Seneca Park Zoo. The nomination now goes from the state to the United States Interior Department for consideration as part of the National Register of Historic Places. (June 18, 2003) Public NewsRoom

Democrat & Chronicle: City to fight ruling on zoo (March 4, 2003) — Rochester filed a notice of appeal Monday to challenge a state Supreme Court decision that bars the city from regulating the planned expansion of the Seneca Park Zoo. Democrat and Chronicle

Democrat & Chronicle: Zoo project opponents lose challenge — The proposed expansion of the Seneca Park Zoo has survived its second lawsuit in less than a month, with a judge ruling Thursday that Monroe County adequately studied the environmental impact on the surrounding parkland and neighbors. State Supreme Court Justice Harold L. Galloway’s decision clears the way for the county to enlarge the zoo -- a plan that includes more room for parking and for elephants and other big animals. (January 31, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle

Democrat & Chronicle: Justice listens to zoo suit — GENESEO — Monroe County and the city of Rochester clashed in state Supreme Court on Monday over whether the city can regulate expansion of the Seneca Park Zoo. Acting Supreme Court Justice Ronald A. Cicoria heard the arguments in a lawsuit brought by the county -- but did not issue a ruling, nor say when he would. The zoo is on city land leased to the county. (December 17, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle

Democrat & Chronicle: Suit seeks to block zoo project — Park advocates have gone ahead with a suit against Monroe County, saying that the expansion plan adopted for the Seneca Park Zoo fails to protect the environment. Eight preservation, environmental and neighborhood groups, along with three individuals living near the zoo, filed the lawsuit this week in state Supreme Court. (October 12, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle

Zoo Plan Foes To Sue A preservation group will go to court to try and stop Monroe County's current plan to expand the Seneca Park Zoo. The Seneca Park Alliance says it's not against a bigger zoo. But the group is opposed to major changes to Seneca Park. Under the county's plan, part of the lower park would be bulldozed to make way for a parking lot.(September 13, 2002) R News: Your NewsChannel

Democrat & Chronicle: Board: Seneca Park is a landmark — Calling Seneca Park a historic and romantic landscape, the Rochester Preservation Board on Monday unanimously agreed that the park should be a city landmark. "Vintage parks like Seneca Park stand out as works of art," said city resident Cassandra Petsos, who brought the petition seeking landmark status. (July 2, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com

Democrat & Chronicle: Zoo plan approved, minus funding GOP county legislators OK expansion that relocates parking — A plan to expand the Seneca Park Zoo was approved Tuesday evening by the Monroe County Legislature -- but the plan does not provide public funds for the project. Lawmakers passed the plan 16 to 13, with Republicans supporting the proposal and Democrats opposing it. (June 12, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com

Democrat & Chronicle: Panel approves zoo expansion; no public funds — A plan to expand the Seneca Park Zoo -- but not provide public funds -- was approved Tuesday by a committee of the Monroe County Legislature. The Recreation and Education Committee passed the plan -- proposed by County Executive Jack Doyle -- by a 4-to-2 vote, with Republicans supporting the measure and Democrats opposing it. (June 5, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com

Seneca Park Zoo Receives Donation Rochester, NY - The Xerox Federal Credit Union has made a large donation to the Seneca Park Zoo. The Credit Union donated more than $26,000 to the zoo, to be used for classes and conservation efforts.(June 5, 2002) WOKR13.TV

Democrat & Chronicle: Zoo expansion plan opposed at public forum — Monroe County Executive Jack Doyle's proposal to expand the Seneca Park Zoo was aired at a public forum Monday night, with almost all of roughly 30 people who spoke opposing the plan. The forum, held at Irondequoit's Public Safety Building, was hosted by Democratic county legislators. About 70 people attended. (June 4, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com

Democrat & Chronicle: Johnson tells Doyle he'll sue over zoo Rochester Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. has said in a letter to County Executive Jack Doyle that the city would sue the county if Doyle tries to begin expansion of the Seneca Park Zoo without first getting permission from the city. (May 23, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com

Democrat & Chronicle: City threatens suit over zoo expansion — The lawyer for the city says that a lawsuit would be filed against Monroe County if an attempt were made to expand Seneca Park Zoo without the city's approval. "The land is zoned open space. They would need a special-use permit," said Linda Kingsley, the city's top lawyer. (May 22, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com

Zoo plan awakes a legacy's echoes Battle brews to preserve pioneer park builder's vision -- Frederick Law Olmsted shaped the Rochester park system more than a century ago, but his legacy -- here and elsewhere -- has taken on a new relevance. (Thursday, January 3, 2002) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Zoo may need wetland OK Army Corps suggests that expansion could require permit; county denies it. - The Army Corps of Engineers, responding to a request for its involvement by local environmental groups, told Monroe County that an application for a wetland permit for expansion of the Seneca Park Zoo might be needed. (Wednesday, August 15, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

37 speak in favor of zoo's expansion Although expansion of the Seneca Park Zoo was not on the agenda of the Monroe County Legislature last night, the issue dominated the public forum part of the meeting. (Wednesday, August 15, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Legislator proposes review of zoo plan Many still question Doyle's projected attendance, parking -- Monroe County Executive Jack Doyle's controversial $65 million plan to nearly triple the size of the Seneca Park Zoo has hit another snag. (Sunday, August 12, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Are some lawmakers changing their mind about the Seneca Park Zoo expansion plan? July 20 - NEWS10 NBC has learned several lawmakers have serious questions about the project. The plan has yet to go to the county legislature even though it was supposed to be voted on by now. The reason for the holdup depends on who you talk to. Several Republican county legislators tell NEWS10 NBC they have serious concerns with the plan. (Saturday, July 21, 2001) WHEC

Zoo parking alternative to be offered Alliance would create tram system that utilizes Kodak lots -- Park advocates today will propose a tram system to five parking lots near Seneca Park as an alternative to putting a 600-vehicle parking area just west of Seneca Park Zoo. (Thursday, June 21, 2001) - DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Monroe, city snarl over zoo At issue is who has final say over $65 million expansion plan (Sunday, June 17, 2001) -- Rochester and Monroe County officials are feuding over the proposed $65 million expansion of the Seneca Park Zoo, with the city saying it must approve the project and the county saying it isn't subject to city zoning regulations. (Sunday, June 17, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Final report on zoo backs Doyle -- The final environmental impact statement for expansion of the Seneca Park Zoo defends County Executive Jack Doyle's plan to almost triple the size of the zoo to 35 acres at a cost of $65 million. (Tuesday, June 12, 2001)--DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Dems put price on zoo-plan support -- Democrats in the Monroe County Legislature yesterday set forth five conditions for their support of the Seneca Park Zoo expansion. (Wednesday, June 6, 2001)- --DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Zoo plan elicits heated views -- Brad Cherin last night simply stated his concerns about expanding the Seneca Park Zoo -- "It's the only green space that serves many people" in the area, Cherin, of Rochester, said. He is a staff member of the Group 14621 Community Association, whose neighborhood includes the zoo. (Friday, April 6, 2001) --DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Zoo Expansion Plan Raises Environmental Issues Rochester, NY - Over 100 residents turned out at a public meeting regarding the Seneca Park Zoo expansion plan last night, many of whom were concerned about the zoo's proposed expansion into Seneca Park. (Friday, April 6, 2001) iKnowRochester.com

Doyle to release revised zoo plan Update: Tuesday morning, Monroe County Executive Jack Doyle will release a revised plan for expansion of the Seneca Park Zoo and a Draft Environmental Impact Statement related to this project. (March 20, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Zoo Expansion Cut Back Rochester, NY - Plans to expand the Seneca Park Zoo have been scaled back. Monroe County Executive Jack Doyle made the announcement this morning that some $20 million will be cut from the original price. (March 20, 2001) IKnowRochester.com

Zoo Admission Increases Get ready to shell out a bit more the next time you take a trip to the Monroe County Zoo. Citing higher energy costs and needing more money for things like food for the animals, the zoo announced the rate hike Friday. An adult ticket will run five dollars, an increase of one dollar. This is the first rate hike in four years. (January 14, 2001) 1370 WHAM

Seneca Park in Trouble Seneca park is one of the most threatened historic sites in New York State, according to the Preservation League. They’ve put out a list of seven threatened sites and Seneca Park is at the top. (December 12, 2000) WHEC

Seneca Park put on '7 to save' state list Preservationists hope to save site from major zoo expansion -- Seneca Park has made the Preservation League of New York State's new list of "Seven to Save" threatened historic sites because of plans to expand the Seneca Park Zoo. (December 10, 2000) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

People for the parks Citizens groups seek greater role in the Monroe County parks system -- Jocelyn Janaitis stood before the Monroe County Legislature last month with about 1,400 names on petitions opposing the proposed expansion of the Seneca Park Zoo. (November 15, 2000) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

DOYLE OUTLINES PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ZOO DEVELOPMENT PLAN RELEASED PDF Link: Doyle Outlines Zoo Public Involvement.pdf (September 14, 2000) New Release, Jack Doyle, Monroe County Executive

Larger zoo's costs would soar -- The Seneca Park Zoo's annual revenue, operating costs, attendance and admission fees would all dramatically increase over the next 20 years under a proposal to triple the size of the complex, according to a report released yesterday. (September 12, 2000) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Neighbors Speak Out On Zoo Expansion There are plans to triple the size of the Seneca Park Zoo. Under the county's plan, 24 acres of parkland around the zoo would become part of it. September 7, 2000) RochesterToday

Most residents want bigger zoo But not at the expense of historic parkland, they say (July 20, 2000) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Options due on zoo's future Public will get chance Thursday to hear about ideas for Seneca Park improvements (April 22, 2000) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Zoo takes peek into future Architect unveils a master plan with four options, including 20-year expansion (April 28, 2000) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Park groups seek input in zoo growth plans (May 29, 2000) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Look what's new at the zoo! A brother-and-sister team of white Bengal tigers is visiting the Seneca Park Zoo this summer. (July 6, 2000) Perinton-Fairport Post

Zoo expansion added to project list Performing arts center, soccer stadium, fast ferry, Seneca Park seen as ways to improve quality of life (June 1, 2000) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Zoo proposal needs fine-tuning Monroe executive's aggressive approach still must pass muster on several levels (June 1, 2000) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Zoo safari offers lessons Buffalo, Cleveland and Toledo provide ideas for Seneca Park (June 4, 2000) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Doyle proposes $396 million for county projects Monroe County Executive Jack Doyle (pictured) wants to spend $396 million on capital improvements projects over the next six years -- not including the proposed expansion of the Seneca Park Zoo and the construction of a soccer stadium. (July 9, 2000) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Zoo wrestles with expenses - When the Rocky Coasts exhibit opened at the Seneca Park Zoo in 1997, it added about $200,000 in expenses to the zoo's annual budget. (July 5, 2000) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

There's a new member of the family at the Seneca Park Zoo. A Bornean orangutan was born on Wednesday night. -9/24/99-RochesterToday News

Seneca Park Zoo has new addition 2/16/99----TOP NEWS From WHEC, and MSNBC

Zoo may try for baby elephant Seneca pachyderm passes fertility test; but study
must show park can handle load -4/26/99----DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE Digital Edition

New Additions Made To Seneca Park Zoo --12/16/99 RochesterToday News

Rhino at the Zoo -6/02/99-CBS--WROC, Channel 8

Zoo drafting a plan to grow More room for elephants and cars covered in proposal due out in spring (March 2, 2000)--DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Park groups seek input in zoo growth plans (May 29, 2000)--DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

More Details On Proposed Zoo Expansion There's more information about the county's plan to expand the Seneca Park Zoo. (June 2, 2000) RochesterToday

Seneca Park Zoo Plan Jack Doyle says the Seneca Park Zoo expansion plan is expected to cost $45 million dollars. Now, that's a pretty costly project...but Doyle says it will be well worth the money. --June 2, 2000 (WROC)

Residents Voice Zoo Concerns There was no formal public hearing scheduled and the proposed zoo expansion plan was not on the Monroe County Legislature's agenda Tuesday night. That didn't stop concerned residents from speaking out to lawmakers.

Zoo Expansion Project Gets The Go-Ahead; Some Controversy 3/10/99---RochesterToday News

Resources on Seneca Park

The New Zoo A Commercial on why Seneca Park Zoo thinks it needs a new zoo.

Monroe County: Park News and Events Seneca Park Zoo Development Plan

The Seneca Park ALLIANCE - Save Our Seneca Park - As proposed, Seneca Park Zoo expansion will negatively impact a considerable portion of some of the most attractive space in the park.

Bigger zoo, better zoo? Read a collection of articles the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle has done on the zoo issue.

Seneca Park Zoo Rochester's zoo. The Seneca Park Zoo is owned and operated by Monroe County. The Seneca Park Zoo Society is a not-for-profit organization that has, since 1957, provided education, fund raising, special events and public relations support to Monroe County's Seneca park Zoo in Rochester, New York.

Welcome To Seneca Park INFORMATION: (716)256-4950 You can find out how to reserve a lodge or shelter in the Lodges section of this site.

Friends and Neighbors of Seneca Park For Preservation of Park Land, Public Heritage and Quality of Life. FNSP members are from all areas of Monroe County, all ages and economic groups, as well as political parties. FNSP takes the following position on the loss of Seneca Park land to the zoo expansion:
1.) There should be a Superintendent of Seneca Park separate and distinct from the Zoo Superintendent
2.) The Zoo should be renovated within the current footprint.
3.) An offsite Welcome Center for the Zoo should be developed for parking, administration, ticket sales, year round educational lecture series, classes, movies and slide shows, fund raising events, corporate and and private affairs, and a base for small shuttles to the zoo and the park. (Ask for Proposal)
4.) There should be a feasibility study to investigate a second site for the zoo. (Ask for Proposal)
5.) A task force should be created to formulate a plan for Seneca Park and the Zoo that includes representatives from all interest groups.

Details of zoo survey (July 23, 2000) -- The Democrat and Chronicle commissioned a telephone survey, conducted July 8-9, to gauge public opinion about options for the Seneca Park Zoo.

Zoo options Go here to get detailed descriptions of the four zoo expansion options. --DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE Digital Edition

Seneca Park High Resolution Map High resolution map of the trail from Seneca Park to Lake Ontario.

Preservation League of New York State The Preservation League of New York State is dedicated to the protection of New York's diverse and rich heritage of historic buildings, districts, and landscapes. It actively encourages historic preservation by public and private organizations, agencies, and individuals in local communities throughout New York State and provides the united voice for historic preservation.

Seattle Parks and Recreation Olmsted Parks Info on Olmstead Parks

The Landmark Society of Western New York Our mission is to discover, protect, and revitalize the architectural and related cultural heritage of the Rochester region, and to educate and inform our community about that heritage. Who we are: The Landmark Society of Western New York, Inc., is one of the oldest and most active preservation organizations in America. It is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to preserving, interpreting and fostering interest in the architectural, historical and cultural heritage of our region. The Landmark Society's service area covers nine Western New York counties.

People for Parks is the only local, not-for-profit organization solely dedicated to the preservation and protection of the historical, horticultural, and natural legacy for which our parks are famous.

Parks Advisory Committe(PAC)

Seneca Park and the Zoo Opinions and photographs about the Seneca Park Zoo.

Artcom Museums Tour: Seneca Park Zoo Statement of Purpose: Education, conservation, research and recreation.

County-Wide Coalition for Parks Monroe County The Country-Wide Coalition for Parks is a coalition of various organizations and individuals who are allied to advocate for parks. Our two goals are:1. To promote the citizens' non-partisan, community-based participation in decisions about public parks in Monroe County. 2. To promote appropriate uses of parks and to oppose the commercial exploitation of
natural spaces within our parks.

Preservation League of New York State Seneca Park (Rochester) Seneca Park, in the City of Rochester, is nationally recognized as an important historic landscape. It was designed 107 years ago by Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr., who is acclaimed as North America's greatest landscape architect.

Resources on Olmsted Parks

The National Association for Olmsted Parks (NAOP) is a multidisciplinary coalition of park advocates, landscape architects, planners, historians, conservationists and civic leaders committed to preserving our landscape heritage. NAOP offers support, advice, and information to those involved with the preservation of historic landscapes and the creation of new ones. NAOP is a network of volunteers and professionals, actively working to ensure the healthy renewal of Olmsted parks and landscapes for future generations.

Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Inc., an independent not-for-profit community organization, promotes, preserves, restores, enhances, and ensures maintenance of Olmsted-designed parks and parkways in the Greater Buffalo area to guarantee Olmsted park experiences for current and future generations.