Community Feedback at Independence Day Celebration

From constructing new sidewalks to making roads more accessible for cyclists and improving trails, we’re working to make Penfield a more connected community. Right now, we have several projects underway to advance this mission.<br /><br /><strong>Active Transportation Plan</strong><br /><br />This spring, we started working with Colliers Engineering & Design to develop an Active Transportation Plan. The goal is straightforward: to make it easier for Penfield residents to get around without relying on a car. When complete, the plan will include clear steps to create a safer, more interconnected network for Penfielders of all ages and abilities to utilize.<br /><br />Your input is key. Community feedback will help shape the final plan, and opportunities for public engagement will be available throughout the process.<strong> The first opportunity will take place at our Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 28, at Harris Whalen Park</strong>. The Colliers team will have a booth set up at the event starting at 6 p.m. to gather feedback from the community.<br /><br />Work will continue for the next several months, and we anticipate having a final plan ready to share with the Town Board this winter.<br /><br /><strong>Two miles of new sidewalks</strong><br /><br />In 2025, we announced a multi-year project to add several miles of sidewalks throughout Penfield in partnership with Monroe County.<br /><br />I am happy to report that work is well underway. By the end of the 2025 construction season, we expect to complete two miles of new sidewalks, including:<br /> <ul> <li>Jackson Road (Plank Road to Penfield Center Road)</li> <li>Five Mile Line Road (Shoecraft to Crossbow Drive)</li> <li>Plank Road (Shoecraft to Jackson Road)</li> </ul> Construction will continue into 2026, with a total of 15,000 linear feet of new sidewalks planned. These improvements will make Penfield more pedestrian-friendly and improve access to Rothfuss Park and Veterans Memorial Park with new sidewalk connections.<br /><br /><strong>Philbrick Park bridge replacement</strong><br /><br />At Philbrick Park, construction of a new single-span pedestrian bridge is ongoing. This new bridge replaces aging wooden walkways and enhances connectivity to our neighbors to the south in the Town of Perinton, along the Spring Lake Trail.<br /><br />The wet spring slowed us down a bit, but work is expected to be done by the end of the summer. Stay tuned to our website for the reopening date.<br /><br /><strong>Shared-use trails at Shadow Pines</strong><br /><br />Over the past year-plus, our Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee has been working closely with consultant, Further Trail Services, to develop a plan for a shared-use trail system at the southern end of Shadow Pines (previously the back nine). When complete, the trails will offer opportunities for mountain bikers, hikers, walkers, and trail runners.<br /><br />Following public input sessions and a 2024 survey, a final draft plan has now been developed. You can <rz:link template="business_detail" module="business_directory" recordid="601">view the final draft plan here on our website</rz:link>. Our Town Board will review this information and discuss it in the coming months as we finalize the design.<br /><br />Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any feedback you may have.<br /><br />See you around.<br /><br />Jeff Leenhouts, Supervisor