Heroes Point Park and Garden

Heroes Point Park and Garden is a pocket park created in 2020 adjacent to the Rochester Fire Department. The tribute to first responders was conceived after a member of the fire department received an artifact from the North Tower of the World Trade Center, which was destroyed in a coordinated terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. The piece of steel from the tower was incorporated into the design of the park, which honors past and present first responders for their selfless service to the community. Heroes Point Park and Garden was formally dedicated on September 11, 2020 and was funded by donations.

Rita Duff, a member of the Rochester Fire Department, received a piece of steel from the North Tower of the World Trade Center as a gift from a member of the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY). Duff, whose great-grandfather served with FDNY in 1899, donated the artifact to serve as a focal point in a planned tribute to first responders at the Rochester Fire Department.

The project became the Heroes Point Park and Garden in the summer of 2020. The pocket park is located on the east side of the fire department building and provides space for community gatherings and dedications, as well as walking paths. It pays tribute to past and present first responders and provides a place of honor and reflection for the community. The design includes benches, a waterfall feature, and landscaping.

The Rochester Fire Department raised approximately $30,000 of the project's $190,000 cost. Their efforts were supplemented by a $160,000 donation from Hugh and Nancy Elliott. The project is still under development, with monoliths planned to honor each branch of the armed services.

In 2023, remnants of steel from the Twin Towers were installed at Heroes Point to memorialize the work of first responders who rescued people during the World Trade Center terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.

Almond, Mary Beth. "Construction Begins on Heroes Point Park and Garden," Rochester Post, July 7, 2020.

Almond, Mary Beth. "Rochester Dedicates Heroes Point Park and Garden," Rochester Post, September 24, 2020, p.3A.

Siwicki, Dylan. "Rochester Places Piece From 9/11 Twin Towers at Heroes Point," Rochester Patch, September 6, 2023.