NEWS FROM CORN HILL NAVIGATION FOUNDATION

Rochester, NY — July 31, 2024 — Corn Hill Waterfront and Navigation Foundation, which operates the Riverie and Sam Patch tour boats has received a $34,000 grant from the Golisano Foundation to enhance inclusive accessibility throughout its organization. The grant will enable a thorough review of the organization’s procedures, vessels, website and programming to ensure that all residents and visitors have access to guided tours of Rochester’s historic waterways just in time for the canal’s 200th Anniversary in 2025.

Patrick Russell-Walsh, Corn Hill Waterfront and Navigation Foundation executive director said, “The support of the Golisano Foundation will enable us to collaborate with Rochester Accessible Adventures Inclusive Partnership program to develop a comprehensive approach to inclusion practices, outreach and programming that will assure a welcoming environment for our guests with intellectual and developmental disabilities on board Riverie and Sam Patch.”

Erica Dayton, executive director of the Golisano Foundation, said, “We are pleased to provide this grant to Corn Hill Navigation so that it may bring its exciting experiences to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. Enhancing access to Corn Hill Navigation’s diverse roster of programs and voyages will open new doors to joy and enrichment for many in our community who have previously been unable to enjoy and experience our region’s beautiful historic waterways.”

“The unique and historic waterways of the Rochester region have been part of an exciting momentum over the past decade to ensure equitable access by people with disabilities. We are thrilled that Corn Hill Navigation is now on an inclusion journey, embarking on what will be a dynamic implementation of strategic enhancements to intentionally engage people living with disabilities. Whether part of a relaxing evening tour, a school-based educational trip, or a family vacation tour on board the Riverie, individuals and families living with disabilities can look forward to new adventures on the Erie Canal and Genesee River!” said Anita O’Brien, executive director of Rochester Accessible Adventures.

About Riverie
Launched in May 2023, Riverie is a key component of Rochester’s ROC the Riverway initiative and the only passenger cruise boat on Rochester’s Genesee River. The 35-passenger Riverie, incorporating the words River and Erie (Canal), offers a wide array of ticketed cruises such as birding, live music, history and lock cruises. On-the-water STEM-based experiential learning cruises are conducted annually for thousands of students. It is available for private charters and themed cruises. Learn more at cornhillnav.org/riverie.

About Sam Patch
The Sam Patch replica 1800s packet boat offers historical, educational, and entertaining cruises from Schoen Place in the Port of Pittsford. Launched in 1991, the boat’s mission is to increase awareness of Rochester’s waterways through guided tours along the Erie Canal, educate students, and host events contributing to the region’s cultural landscape and tourism. Onboard amenities include drinks, snacks and restroom. Cruises depart daily from Schoen Place in Pittsford. Annually, over 11,000 people from all 50 states and more than 30 countries cruise on the Erie Canal on the Sam Patch, honoring the 19th-century mill worker who gained fame as America’s first daredevil by leaping off waterfalls, including Rochester’s High Falls.

About Corn Hill Waterfront and Navigation Foundation 
Founded in 1991, Corn Hill Navigation operates two tour boats, Riverie at Corn Hill Landing in Rochester on the Genesee River and Sam Patch on the Erie Canal at Schoen Place in Pittsford. Its cruises along the Erie Canal and the Genesee River provide unique insight into the region’s history, culture and distinctive biodiversity. Its mission is to engage people of all ages and backgrounds in on-the-water experiential learning and foster the preservation and improvement of the Erie Canal and Genesee River for future generations. Hundreds of thousands of people have come from all 50 states and more than 50 countries, including tens of thousands of students from schools across the Rochester and Finger Lakes Region, to experience the Erie Canal and Genesee River aboard a Corn Hill Navigation vessel. Ridership has grown 40 percent over the past ten years.

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