Established as an outgrowth of Project HOPE, the El Camino Neighborhood Association is a collective of block clubs that represent different areas East and West of the El Camino trail. The association was established to support big picture, long-term work in the El Camino neighborhood and to further brand the area for its positive assets. Residents will continue to implement the vision plan, create new opportunities, and ultimately strive to improve quality of life for all who live, visit, worship and play in the community.
Neighborhood partners and residents are leading a vision planning process. A Charrette (Community Design Event) was held on November 7th, 2015 at School #8. About 100 residents, partners and design architects came together to begin designing the future of the El Camino area. A steering committee will begin the vision planning process beginning in January 2016. The El Camino Vision Plan was completed in August of 2016 and is available for download by clicking here!
For questions about the Charrette or Vision plan, reach out to Miguel Melendez, Special Projects Director for the Ibero-American Development Corporation at (585) 467-6410 ext. 28
La Marketa at the International Plaza project will transform that vacant lot that sits diagonally across from Saint Michael’s church into a public plaza for retail and outdoor use.
The plaza will have lights in hopes to curb drug use in the area. In addition to that, it’ll include a bandstand, new landscape designs and provide entry-level retail opportunities for small business to serve the neighborhood.
For more information about upcoming La Marketa at International Plaza events please refer to our Events tab
2.2 miles long, El Camino was opened in 2012. Part of the City of Rochester Park and Riverway Trail system, the trail is the result of a public private partnership between the City and Genesee Land Trust.
The trail starts at the Seneca Park Entrance at St Paul St., crosses Ridge Road, Rte 104, Norton St., Avenue D, Clifford Ave. and then ends at Scrantom St. and St Paul St. at the south end.
Conkey Cruisers ride bicycles on the trail on summer evenings for health, fitness and fun.
Throughout the year, volunteers work to keep El Camino clean and welcoming. Specific dates and meeting locations are listed in the Events, or click “Inquire” for more information.
Genesee Land Trust developed Conkey Corner Park as a gateway to El Camino Trail. The gardens, playground, and curving walls of Conkey Corner Park replaced an unused parking lot, vacant house and and empty lot. Hundreds of children from #8, 22 and 50 schools planted the perennial flowers and shrubs of Conkey Corner Park. Neighbors volunteered to build the playground in 2010. Rochester Garden Club has planted daffodil and tulip bulbs that bloom each spring.
This City Park is now available to all residents for events and barbeques. The Foodlink Farmstand comes to the park in the summer, and neighborhood events such as the Northeast Family Fitness 5K Walk at El Camino and Harvest Festival bring together hundreds from the community.
Don Samuel Torres Park is a Rochester park off of North Clinton Avenue in the Upper Falls neighborhood. In addition to some greenspace the park has a playground, a baseball diamond and a basketball court.
The streetscape along the park was improved as part of the La Avenida development in 2010.
The park is scheduled for an upgrade in spring/summer 2020
In 2013, graffiti artists from around the world came to Rochester for Wall\Therapy. Murals bloomed all along El Camino, from the Ave D Rec Center to the painted rug on the Rte 104 Bridge to the Salvatore’s back wall at Ridge Road. Colorful, evocative and unique, the artists used spray paint to create colorful images.
El Camino Play is a program hosted by Project HOPE to ensure that your children have the best summer possible! Mondays through Fridays, your children, ages 5-18, can come and hang out at Conkey Corner Park with games, arts and free lunches!
Mon- Fri @ Conkey Corner Park from 12pm-1:30pm
***This event is free, but you MUST register with Gildred Aponte at (585) 567-6410 x33 ***
The HOPE neighborhood has three block clubs and a neighborhood council, all geared towards improving the health and well-being of the community. Block clubs often beautify their own streets, yards, and vacant lots. Residents have their own events and health improvement activities with support from HOPE. The block clubs/Council meet on the following schedule, with the location subject to change:
F/L/R/T Block Club (Flower, Lill, Radio, Roth and Treyer Streets): 2nd Monday of the month, 6:00 pm at 218 Clifford Avenue.
Huntington Park Neighborhood Watch: 3rd Monday of the month, 6:00 pm at 218 Clifford Avenue.
HOPE Neighborhood Council: 4th Wednesday of the month, 6:00 pm at 218 Clifford Avenue. This meeting brings all interested residents in the community together to discuss the neighborhood opportunities and provide direction to the project, call for details (585) 467-6410 ext. 28.
Additionally, the Cutler Plus Community Block Club meets regularly. More information on the happenings in the Cutler Plus area can be found on their website: http://www.cutlerplus.com/
Utilizing bicycling to get neighbors moving towards a more active healthy lifestyle, make healthy food choices, decrease obesity rates, and create a positive image of their neighborhood, Conkey Cruisers bike El Camino on summer evenings. The cruise route travels various loops on the El Camino Trail and community excursions.
Cycling is a simple exercise with numerous health benefits. Throughout the program the Conkey Cruisers health care team is available to check your BMI, height, weight, blood pressure and pulse weekly.
Join in this fun, free, family-friendly program this summer!
The ¡No Más! movement is a social campaign to bring awareness and necessary change to the conditions, in the El Camino Neighborhood of Rochester, NY, created by the Open-Air Heroin Market that has reeked havoc on this Local Community.
The ¡No Mas! Human Chain is a signal to those who come to buy drugs that “we are impacted by what you are doing.” ¡No Mas! is about changing the way the Greater Rochester area thinks about the heroin/fentanyl issue. It is important to shine a light on those who are impacted by the almost constant stream of drug sales and drug use that occur in the North Clinton area. It is our sincere hope that this demonstration will send a message to those who come to the Avenue for illicit purposes and they will think twice about how their actions affect the neighborhood they are visiting.
El Camino Estates has helped to improve the housing stock in the neighborhood by developing 50 new units of affordable, modern, and energy efficient homes surrounding the El Camino Trail. The project was implemented in two phases, with 25 units being constructed at a time. Residents who live in these homes are raising families and increasing the number of youth in the neighborhood, helping to stabilize the area. El Camino Estates properties are within walking distance of the Trail, Ave D Recreational Center and Pool, 3 playgrounds, and many area businesses. These homes are managed by the Ibero-American Development Corporation, for more information contact (585) 232-6548.
Healthy Habits is a program developed by Seniors for Seniors in the HOPE neighborhood. The program is at both St. Michael’s Apartments and Buena Vista Manor (BVM), senior living facilities near El Camino. HOPE has a significant presence, cultivating resident leadership and connecting seniors to new opportunities in their neighborhood. Foodlink’s Curbside Market truck visits each site providing access to affordable healthy food. Seniors lead their own exercise warm-ups, walking groups and other activities. The center for community health provides health education talks once a month with the seniors utilizing bilingual professionals from the community to educate senior residents about maintaining their health. The City of Rochester and Avenue D R-Center have partnered with social activities such as a Ceramics Class in the community room, involving neighborhood youth in activities through an Intergenerational program, and an annual Sweethearts dinner on Valentine’s day.
Paid summer jobs maintaining and enhancing Conkey Corner Park and El Camino Trail hosted by Genesee Land Trust.
Part of the Summer of Opportunity Program (SOOP), 14-15 year olds can apply to be a Landscaper Apprentice through the City’s website — the deadline is in early spring typically February.
In addition to their landscaping work, the youth have weekly field trips to explore career and job readiness including Finger Lakes Community College, Hemlock Lake, and City Hall Mayor’s office. Genesee Land Trust partners with Ibero-American Action League to present Landscaper Apprentices.
Fresh produce at fair prices are available during the summer at the weekly Curbside Market visit that typically begins in July. Foodlink and Ibero partner to bring locally grown produce to the corner of Clifford and Conkey Avenues. An abundance of what is in season from greens to tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. EBT and WIC FMNP accepted.
In addition to Conkey Corner Park, Curbside market also visits Buena Vista Manor on Avenue A seasonally.
Convenient to Downtown, Bike Trails, Restaurants and more
Unique Floor Plans
Amazing Natural Light
Energy Star Appliances
On Site Parking and Laundry
Restricted Entry
On-Site Management
Heat is included.
For more information call (585) 454-5710 Stephanie Young or fill out our application online at the following link: http://themillsathighfalls.com/mm.html
Events
El Camino Community Cleanup
Location: Conkey Corner Park Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Celebrate Earth Day with Genesee Land Trust on the Thomas R. Frey Trail at El Camino! We’ll be cleaning up Conkey Corner Park and El Camino – picking up trash, debris, raking out garden beds, and generally sprucing up the area for all to enjoy. We’ll meet at Conkey Corner Park. Closed-toed shoes and a water bottle are recommended. Genesee Land Trust will provide work gloves, tools, trash bags, water, and snacks.
Past Events
Market Days @ International Plaza 1st Event
Location: 814-844 N Clinton Ave Time: 1-4 PM
Come see the International Plaza transform into a neighborhood market with vendors, arts, culture and live music! Event is co-sponsored by the El Camino Committee, Puerto Rican Festival of Rochester, Inc., Ibero-American Development Corporation, Project HOPE, Father Tracy Advocacy Center, Burgos Properties LLC, and the City of Rochester.
To become a vendor for any of our six events, reach out to Dawn Bird via email at [email protected] or call (585) 467-6410. Please spread the word, becoming a vendor is free this year and we will have additional support in place to help you.
Market Days @ International Plaza 2nd Event
Location: 814-844 N Clinton Ave Time: 5-8 pm
Come see the International Plaza transform into a neighborhood market with vendors, arts, culture and live music! Event is co-sponsored by the El Camino Committee, Puerto Rican Festival of Rochester, Inc., Ibero-American Development Corporation, Project HOPE, Father Tracy Advocacy Center, Burgos Properties LLC, and the City of Rochester.
To become a vendor for any of our six events, reach out to Dawn Bird via email at [email protected] or call (585) 467-6410. Please spread the word, becoming a vendor is free this year and we will have additional support in place to help you.
Harvest Festival 2016
Location: Conkey Corner Park (92 Conkey Avenue) Time: 11:00 am to 2:30 pm
Join us for our 7th Annual Harvest Festival at Conkey Corner Park!
Games, Crafts, and Activities for all ages
Pumpkin Painting Contest
Costume Contest
Fall-themed Baking Contest
FREE lunch
See the event PDF for more information.
City to Nature Bike Ride
Location: Conkey Corner Park Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Be part of the first annual 'Bike Your Park Day' happening across the United States! Genesee Land Trust will be leading a 'City to Nature' bike ride, beginning in Rochester at Conkey Corner Park. Our ride will take us north on the El Camino trail towards Seneca Park Zoo, where we will cross the mighty Genesee River and continue our ride on the Genesee Riverway Trail. We'll pass through Turning Point Park and eventually reach Lake Ontario! From this point, we will turn back along a similar route.
Please RSVP to [email protected]. This ride will be approximately 15 miles long and is open to everyone. The terrain of the ride will be a mix of stone dust and pavement.
After the ride we will meet up at the Genesee Brew House for a late lunch. As part of the Genesee Brew House's 'Cheers for Charity', 10% of your bill will go directly to Genesee Land Trust! Valid only on September 24th from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, you must present the flyer below to your server upon seating.
Hope you can join us!
El Camino Vision Plan Presentation
Location: St. Michael's Hall Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Since April 2015, residents and stakeholders have been working on a vision plan for the area. We are ready to unveil the plan and move our community forward! We need you to be a part of this effort and we hope you can attend this event!
Join us to Celebrate and Learn More. Dinner will be provided.
5K Walk @ El Camino
Location: El Camino (starts at Conkey Corner Park) Time: 10:00 AM
Come celebrate the 5th anniversary of El Camino! Choose from a 5K, 2.5K, or 1K walk along the streets and sidewalks through the neighborhood, and on the El Camino Trail.
Registration Fees:
$5.00 per individual
$10.00 per family
$20.00 per group (max 10 people in a group)
Registrations include a healthy lunch and other goodies.
North Clinton Avenue Youth and Community Fair
Location: 810 North Clinton Avenue Time: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
This event will have entertainment, food, and local vendors for neighborhood residents to enjoy! Come out and celebrate positive momentum in the neighborhood! This event will be geared towards youth with physical activity and interactive drumming.
National Night Out
Location: Gantt R-Center, 700 North Street Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Interact with law enforcement officials, meet your neighbors, and enjoy music and food on this year's National Night Out. To show support, turn on your porch light all night! For more information, please contact the Northeast Neighborhood Service Center at (585) 428-7660.
Stop the violence, protect our neighborhood.
Flower City Looking Good Walk/Hike Series: El Camino Trail
Location: El Camino Trail, next to Conkey Avenue Time: 6:00PM
Meet at the corner of Clifford Avenue and Conkey Avenue, for a hike to the Seneca Park Zoo and back. Explore this urban trail that follows a former railroad bed with youth interns with Genesee Land Trust's Landscaper Apprentice Program.
Community Design Event!
Location: School #8, 1180 Saint Paul Street Time: 8:00 am Registration, 9:00 am Event begins
This is your chance to share the ideas you have had about your community. This is all about YOU and YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. Residents should have a say in what their neighborhood looks like. Join your neighbors, community leaders, city officials, and design professionals to share your ideas.
We will start the day by discussing the purpose of this gathering. We will then break up into groups that include design professionals to tour the neighborhood and record your opinions. After the tours you will have a working lunch with your group to outline your ideas. Following this event, we will begin the process of developing a vision plan which will include additional public meetings.
Please come with an open mind and dress with comfortable weather appropriate clothing.
We need every brain possible. Even if you can only come for a short period of time that is better than not coming at all!
Everyone is welcome, this is meant to be fun!
Registration form for 5K Walk @ El Camino
Families & Groups: Please download the registration form for each participant and submit the completed registration with payment to:
Genesee Land Trust, 46 Prince Street, Suite LL005, Rochester, NY 14607, (585) 256-2130
Individuals: please complete and submit this online registration form.
Registration Fees
Upon submitting this Registration Form, you will be asked to pay the appropriate registration fee.
PHOTO WAIVER
I grant to Ibero American Development Corporation, Conkey Cruisers, and Genesee Land Trust (Event Organizers), the right to take photographs of me and my family in connection with the above-identified event. I authorize the Event Organizers, their assigns and transferees to copyright, use and publish the same in print and/or electronically. I agree that the Event Organizers may use such photographs of me with or without my name and for any lawful purpose, including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content.
WAIVER
I know that participating in this walk involves potential risks which could cause injury or death. By my signature, I certify that I am medically able to perform this event. I agree to abide by any decision of an event official relative to any aspect of my participation in this event, including the right of any official to deny or suspend my participation for any reason whatsoever. I assume all risks associated with participating in this event, including but not limited to: falls, contact with other participants, the effects of the weather, including high heat and/or humidity, traffic and the conditions of the road, sidewalk, and trail, all such risks being known and appreciated by me. Having read this waiver and knowing these facts, I, for myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release Ibero American Development Corporation, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising out of my participation in this event, even though that liability may arise out of negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons named in this waiver.
I've read both Photo Waiver and Waiver, and: (need to click "I Agree" in order to see the form below)
Partners in Action
Select an organization to learn more
Conkey Cruisers
Conkey Cruisers is a grassroots neighborhood bicycling program, inspired by Theresa Bowick, a Registered Nurse who lives near Conkey Avenue. While out running one day she stopped to chat with some neighbors, when a man approached the group, pointed at Theresa and said, “Don’t talk to her. She is the police! She is the police because nobody exercises in this neighborhood!”
A call to action: Theresa developed the Conkey Cruisers Bicycling-to-Better-Health Voyage, in hopes that neighbors will inspire neighbors to stay active, make healthy food choices, decrease obesity rates, and create a positive image of their neighborhood.
As Conkey Cruisers was being envisioned, El Camino Trail was completed, providing a perfect route. The Conkey Cruisers’ inaugural ride took place on July 7, 2012 and has continued each summer to cruise El Camino. On summer evenings, families, youth and seniors can all be seen riding the trail together.
Theresa believes, “It takes a village to be a village”, meaning we all share the responsibility of making our neighborhoods safe and healthy.
To register for the upcoming season or learn more, visit conkeycruisers.org.
Genesee Land Trust
Genesee Land Trust builds connections to nature in the Rochester region by protecting land. A nonprofit organization, Genesee Land Trust relies on contributions and support from individuals and foundations.
In 2001, Genesee Land Trust, led by Tom Frey, gathered a team of residents to change the overgrown, trash covered railroad right-of-way into a hiking and biking trail and a ribbon of nature in the neighborhood – today this is El Camino. Then, in 2009, the Land Trust transformed a vacant lot into Conkey Corner Park. The following year volunteers, neighbors and friends gathered to build the playground.
Now, Genesee Land Trust organizes work days -- Day of Caring, Wilson Day, and King for a Day -- to spruce up the gardens along El Camino, and helps to bring special events such as the Harvest Festival and the 5K Walk @ El Camino.
Across Monroe and Wayne County, Genesee Land Trust has protected over 5,000 acres of land, creating new nature parks for families to explore the outdoors and enjoy nature. To learn more about Genesee Land Trust's work, sign up for our eNews here.
Ibero-American Development Corporation (IADC)
Ibero-American Development Corporation (IADC) is a non-profit organization focused on Community Development. We have focused our efforts in the El Camino neighborhood through programmatic efforts, adding affordable housing, and working with residents and stakeholders to revitalize the area.
IADC's Mission Statement: “To provide quality affordable housing and opportunities for the economic advancement of Hispanic and other minority individuals and families; to provide social and recreational facilities to persons and families of low and moderate income.”
Project HOPE (Healthy Outcomes through Participation, Education & Empowerment) is a program of IADC in the El Camino neighborhood and is funded by the Greater Rochester Health Foundation to improve the social determinants of health in the community. The Target Area is bound by North Clinton Avenue, Upper Falls Boulevard, Avenue A and the Genesee River.
HOPE residents come together around community issues and positive changes taking place in the Target Area. The objective of HOPE is to revitalize the neighborhood through action to eventually influence the long term health of the overall community. Resident participation is the key ingredient to long-term success in the neighborhood.
Small amounts of funding is available to residents of the community to improve neighborhood health through Resident Health Promotion Projects. These projects could include social activities that foster health improvement, community gardens to share healthy eating with your neighbors, or beautification projects. HOPE fosters community leadership by providing residents with the tools to implement change in their own neighborhood.
Connect With Us
The El Camino Neighborhood extends from Seneca Park to Scrantom Street and Saint Paul along the length of the trail.
Interested in a special event or activity? Want to volunteer or participate? We want to hear from you. Choose from the drop down options or write in your question or comment.