The Eastern Wide Waters of the Erie Canal - Signs of History on Waymarking.com

"The original canal, completed here in 1822, followed closely the curving route of what is now Norris Drive. During later enlargement, c1852, the canal was straightened and shifted north, creating a flooded area called the Eastern Widewaters. The Barge Canal, completed in 1918, passed south of Rochester and in 1922 the city purchased the old Erie right-of-way for a rail line which was later converted to Route 490 East. The widewaters was partly filled for construction of the State Armory, 1917, and during subsequent park improvements. The remaining area of Lake Riley measures about 4 1/2 acres.

"Lake Riley is named for William S Riley (1858-1928), member of the Parks Board 1902-1915, Deputy Park Commissioner 1915-1918, Park Commissioner 1918-1925, pioneer in the playgrounds movement and advocate for reforestation under whose tenure recreational facilities at Cobbs Hill Park were developed and Ontario Beach was acquired for a park."

In situ photo shows a monument of stones from the first Erie Canal to the left and slightly forground of the plaque. Photo taken from Culver Road sidewalk very near Norris Drive facing northeast. Lake Riley in the background.

Group that erected the marker: City of Rochester Address of where the marker is located. Approximate if necessary: 122-160 Culver Road Rochester, NY US 14620 URL of a web site with more information about the history mentioned on the sign: Not listed

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