The history of Lake Riley Lodge (formerly known as Cobb's Hill Recreation Center) began in December 1908, with George Eastman's offer to donate the costly north side of Cobb's Hill (named for resident Edna Cobb, who previously owned the land) to the City for a new park, which was developed in conjunction with a second reservoir at Cobb's Hill (the first was atop Highland Park). George Eastman's gift came with a caveat???
that the City acquire the adjoining Eastern Widewaters tract, (once a part of the Erie Canal) to assure recreational uses for the park. Under the leadership of then-Mayor James G. Cutler, the City took up Eastman's offer, and many recreational uses were made of the Eastern Widewaters area at the base of the hill, later known as Lake Riley, in the following years. Named for William S.
Riley (1858-1928), the City's Dep. Commissioner of Parks (1915-18) and later Commissioner (1918-25), the pond remained a popular venue for such activities as ice-skating, boating and fishing throughout his tenure. Today, the lake is primarily a restful sanctuary for park visitors and wildlife.
Now to be known as Lake Riley Lodge, the warm, cozy lodge-like recreation center constructed adjacent to the lake early in the depression era has been a popular venue for generations of Rochesterians visiting the scenic, multi-faceted park. The park continues to offer incredible recreational facilities, including tennis courts, basketball courts, softball fields, a playground, picnic areas and the newly renovated Lake Riley Lodge, to be used for summer youth programs, and also now available for the public to "permit" for conferences and family special occasions.
The facility accommodates a maximum of 125 individuals for a $200 per day fee ($325/day holidays).