Rochester Unveils Three Baden Park Design Concepts
The city seeks resident feedback on new proposals for a civil rights heritage site at Baden Park.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in African-American
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Rochester has released three design alternatives for a planned civil rights heritage site at Baden Park near the Abraham Lincoln School. The city is currently collecting public input on the proposals, which honor the area's local history and the late Rev. Franklin D. Florence.
Why it matters
The city aims to finalize a design that reflects the values and history of the community. Officials are engaging residents to ensure the new park space properly honors local figures and civil rights milestones.
The city has proposed three distinct design concepts nicknamed Circles of Discovery, Central Spine, and Coming Together. These plans feature shared amenities including a new amphitheater, a central plaza, and dedicated legacy walkways.
The players
Rev. Franklin D. Florence
The late activist and reverend is being honored through the development of the civil rights heritage site.
Shawn Dunwoody
A multidisciplinary artist working with the Upper Falls community to gather design input for the park.
SWBR
An architecture and planning firm collaborating with the city to create the design alternatives.
Hallmark Planning & Development
A firm assisting in the design process and the collection of community feedback.
The details
Developed alongside architecture and planning firms SWBR and Hallmark Planning & Development, the designs were informed by community surveys and input from the Upper Falls neighborhood. Multidisciplinary artist Shawn Dunwoody is also facilitating engagement through local meetings to incorporate residents' visions into the heritage site.
Timeline
2017: The Spiritus Christi Anti Racism Coalition sought inspiration for the park.
October 29, 2026: The deadline for the online public feedback survey.
November 2, 2026: A public meeting will be held at the Interrupting Racism Summit.
January 2027: The city plans to finalize the park design.
Culture Shift
The project follows a pattern set by the development of the 4-acre Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham, Alabama, to transform public spaces into civil rights heritage sites. This shift reflects a broader trend of local municipalities intentionally memorializing civil rights history through urban design.
Residents can influence the final design by participating in the online survey or attending the summit on November 2. Active participation ensures the park reflects the needs and preferences of the Upper Falls community and its visitors.
The takeaway
Public engagement remains a critical component of finalizing the heritage site design. Interested citizens are encouraged to submit feedback by the October 29 deadline to shape the future of Baden Park.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest community developments in the African-American section.
More information
To review the proposed designs or submit your comments, visit the city park design feedback portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Democrat and Chronicle.
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