The Pavilion is Being Rebuilt!
Frederick Law Olmsted sited the pavilion at the highest point of the park—a glacial moraine deposited during the Ice Age. His bold design reshaped the landscape with winding paths, unusual trees & extensive shrub collections.
Olmsted believed landscape design had restorative powers to promote both mental & physical health. He planned a magnificent, three-story open-air circular pavilion that would offer panoramic views of the park, the city skyline against Lake Ontario to the north and the distant Bristol Hills to the south. The Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge architecture firm was hired to implement his vision. The structure was dedicated September 29, 1890, as the Ellwanger & Barry Memorial Pavilion. It quickly became known as the Children’s Pavilion—the crowning glory of Highland Park.
COURTESY OF ROCHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY | LOCAL HISTORY DIVISION | 1921
The Children's Pavilion adorned the overlook for 73 years—its deteriorated state resulted in its demolition in 1963.
Rochester can proudly say “Look what our forefathers and our civic leaders did for us when they engaged Frederick Law Olmsted to plan a park system for us.”
You can become part of the Olmsted legacy.
the Monroe County Legislature authorized full funding for the Pavilion project March 8, 2022!
Watch for updates on the next steps of the project.
Your donations are welcome.
There is still an opportunity to contribute and be recognized.
Donate Now
(Any Gift Amount)
Make a Major Donation
Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.
For a major gift, please contact Edna Claunch, at 585-248-0013 or
180 Reservoir Avenue, Rochester NY 14620.
HPC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization—gifts are tax-deductible.
Special Thanks to All Project Supporters, including:
PUBLIC SUPPORT
Monroe County Capital Budget
New York State & Municipal Grant
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
PRIVATE SUPPORT
Funds from David and Jessica Lindsey family in honor of Joseph Vaeth
Julie Everitt
ESL Charitable Trust
Tom & Carolyn Argust
HPC Board of Directors
Rochester Area Community Foundation
Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation
Davenport-Hatch Foundation
Ames Amzalak Memorial Trust
Waldron Rise Foundation
John & Mary Dangler in memory of Clarence & Ruth Dangler
Charles & Mary Crossed Foundation
In Memory of Mary Fisher
Nancy Donals
Rochester Garden Club
In Memory of Bob Hoepfl
In Memory of Jim Cullen