New York State Parks has announced plans to expand Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua.
The state released a concept plan for the expansion of the historic site, as well as the purchase of two parcels of land on the park’s current property lines that will allow for a new gateway and welcome center to the regional tourist attraction.
The new welcome center and cafe will put traffic in and out of the park onto Route 21, giving direct access to the Thruway and moving it away from the surrounding residential neighborhood.
Sonnenberg was once a private mansion and gardens of the Victorian era. It’s one of only two private gardens to become state historic parks.
The not-for-profit organization that runs Sonnenberg will launch a capital campaign to help fund the upgrades.
Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul and United States Senator Chuck Schumer attended the announcement.