Description
Just east of Rochester and
Irondequoit Bay, Webster Park encompasses 550 acres of
wooded hills, flowing creeks, a few playing fields and a
sliver of developed lakefront access. It is one of the few
Monroe County facilities to offer camping sites, with 40
water/electric sites and showers. The park also features
five enclosed and well-equipped lodges (two of which are
lakefront), and eight pavilions (two lakefront). The number
and quality of shelters here make this park a popular spot
for large get-togethers.Beyond the
modern developments, what makes Webster Park so special is
the geology. Three creeks (West, East and Mill Creek) run
through the park; cutting through small glacial drumlins
(hills) as they make their way toward Lake Ontario. The
result is a fertile expanse of rolling hills and rushing
water. With the lakefront angled toward the west, the sun
sets clearly over the lake in the summer months, a favorite
spot for area photographers.
Popular year-round, people come in warm
weather to camp, hike and enjoy the lake views. The
lakefront is often used by casual fishermen who can cast
from the concrete pier —also a favorite for couples to sit
and watch the sun set over the lake. Five hiking trails
offer easy to moderate walks throughout the park over
rolling hills and along the many creeks.
In the winter months, the trails fill with
cross-country skiers, the hills are spotted with families
sledding. When there is snow, this is easily one of the
busiest recreational areas in the region.
It is unfortunate that this beautiful
park has such a flawed lakefront. Summer visitors will
notice it immediately as they step out of their cars in the
Lake Rd parking lot. The smell of the water coming out of
Mill Creek is almost unbearable to some, while others have
gotten used to it. What causes the stink? Why is the water
here so slimy and green?
Downstream in the town, treated sewage
water enters a branch of Mill Creek near
Wall Rd. The water passes through residential districts
and near farmland, picking up nutrient-rich runoff along the
way. When it approaches the park, it slows down and is
pretty much stagnant as it reaches the lake. Several more
factors here contribute to the problem: the combination of
the breakwall at the outlet and the fishing pier just to the
east, prevent the lake's current from circulating with the
creek’s discharge. In addition, several other nutrient-rich
sources (including the other creeks in the park, Irondequoit
Bay and the Genesee River) join the lake upcurrent from this
site. These nutrient-rich waters cause algal blooms, which
further stagnate the water with green slime and a putrid
smell. Visitors who feed the ducks and geese at the park
only compound the problem.
Considering the high property values in
this neighborhood, and especially for the adjoining
properties, one would think this problem would be a
priority. The smell seems to calm down during early spring
and on windy days. We visited no less than 8 times in the
last several years, only to find the smell still there, if
not stronger each subsequent visit. |
Accessibility
Seasons/Hours: Year round. 7am to 11pm.
Camping season is from Memorial Day to October 15.
Best time to visit: Year-round.
Parking:
Lakefront parking can be found off of Lake Rd just west of
Holt Rd. There's a short driveway that can be easily missed.
Additional lakefront parking can be found at Kanatota Lodge
just to the west and the White House Lodge to the east.
Parking in the wooded area of the park can be found near
each lodge, or near the Holt and Lake Rd Intersection. Here
is a
map showing all the different places to park.
There is parking for over a hundred
cars.
Admission: Free. Lodge, pavilion and field rentals
extra.
Online shelter reservations.
Handicap accessibility: yes.
Pets: yes, on leash, with proof of inoculation.
Accommodations: Restrooms,
playgrounds, water/electric campsites with showers, fishing,
hiking trails (<5 miles), baseball diamond, tennis courts
(4), pavilions, indoor lodges, picnic benches, grills, youth
camping programs. No Swimming. No Boat Launch. |
Interesting
stuff...
White House Lodge
is one of the more elaborate meeting places
in the Monroe County Parks system. Capable of hosting
parties of up to 100 people, it features the following
amenities: fully heated; large grill; electrical outlets; 16
six foot tables inside; 4 eight foot picnic tables outside;
stove; oven; ample parking; gas fireplace; flush toilets
inside (handicap accessible); gas burning stove; kitchen
sink; oven; refrigerator. Located on the lakeshore in a
secluded section of the park.
Online shelter reservations.The
town was named after
Daniel Webster, a congressman from New Hampshire who
negotiated the Webster-Ashburton Treaty with Britain
following the War of 1812. The treaty defined the eastern
border between Canada and the United States.
A family of Minks (Mustela
vison) lives within the rock pile walls of the
fishing pier. They are curious little animals and seemingly
friendly. They are carnivorous and have ample opportunity to
catch crayfish and mice here. It is best that you don't
handle or feed them.
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