History runs deep at Henpeck Park
Henpeck Park, as the information billboard states is “home to a non-motorized boat launch, picnic area and Erie Canalway Trail.” Literally, that’s all this park has: a boat launch, a few picnic tables and charcoal barbecues and access to the Erie Canalway Trail. That doesn’t make this a bad park, just not one at which you’ll spend much time.
This isn’t the way it always was, however! In the 1800s, Henpeck was actually the Port of South Greece and boasted a grocery store, post office, a schoolhouse, 25 houses and two doctors’ offices. Apparently it was quite a bustling little stop along the Erie Canal. I’m glad that Greece chose to memorialize this historic port by placing a park here and preserving its history.
Eating area is probably main attraction
View from the picnic benches of the Erie canal
While we hope that towns include an eating area in a park for people that would like to spend more than just a short time there, we think Henpeck Park is primarily a “come eat some food here” park. With the boat launch, trail access, scenic view and peaceful nature of the surroundings, this is definitely a great place to have any of your three meals during the day. While it’s probably not in walking distance from many businesses (probably a good thing), there is a parking lot here for people looking to get away during their lunch hour.
There are three picnic tables and three charcoal grills at this park. Two of the grills are joined together for some reason. According to many canalway trail guides, Henpeck Park is a viable “endpoint” for boaters and bikers coming from East and West of Rochester.
Boat launch at Henpeck Park
Recreation area is (technically) missing
While we should (and do!) consider biking and boating recreation, for this to really “count” as a park, it really should have some play structures. We would love to see the Town of Greece use some of the open grass to put in a playground and swing set. I imagine that this park would see a lot more use if there was an area where kids could play. As it stands now, I see this very much as an adult-oriented park.
I’d like to know how this park got its name. I imagine years ago this was the place where some poor soul went to escape from his nagging wife and when someone inquired as to his whereabouts was told he was hanging out down at “Henpeck Park” and the name stuck. My family, however, disagrees and conjectures the park was named after someone’s name. Do you know the truth to this quaint place?
Thanks, Sue
Hi Sue! There is a NYS Historical marker at the park that reads as follows: “The port of South Greece with the “8 Mile Grocer” and Post Office, School No. 12, Apple Dryhouse, 25 houses, and 2 doctors’ offices was a busy Erie Canal stop in the 1800’s. I’m not sure where the actual name itself came from.
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