Erie Canal Park & The Frog Pond Trail

The Frog Pond Trail is a scenic shared-use trail within the newly established Erie Canal Park, providing connectivity between the Auburn Trail and Erie Canalway Trail in the Town and Village of Pittsford, New York. The trail is a shared-use trail and includes a wetland boardwalk and bridge at a stream crossing, includes wayfinding and interpretive signage, and community built seating elements at wetland overlooks.

History and unique ecological features are interpreted through a series of rest overlooks and educational signs. The project celebrates historic remnants of the Rochester and Eastern Rapid Railway, Ward Scientific ‘frog’ ponds, and the ecological importance of wetlands. The project also includes site planning and development of construction documents for the rehabilitation of a salvaged historic barn. When constructed in a future phase, the barn will serve as a pavilion and event space for the community.

As prime consultant hired by the Town of Pittsford, Sue Steele Landscape Architecture managed a multidisciplinary team from concept to construction, led environmental and municipal permitting, and coordinated with the New York State Historic Preservation Office, NYS-DEC, and New York State Canal Corporation.