The Geneva Lakefront is a 60-acre multi-use property that was created in 1987 through the relocation of State Routes 5 & 20 from the shores of Seneca Lake.  Since the highway relocation project, the City of Geneva, with substantial assistance from the State and Federal governments, has worked to create a local, regional, and Statewide resource that would serve residents, the Finger Lakes region, and travelers through the area.

Key development components have included the construction of a 150-room Ramada Lakefront Hotel at a cost of $14 million, and a series of coordinated recreation improvements that have been completed in phases.  Most significantly, improvements have been undertaken in conformity with the  New York State Canal Recreationway Plan, a Local Waterfront

Revitalization Program, a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, and a more detailed Lakefront Master Plan.Over the past 12 years, the Geneva Lakefront has evolved from barren highway rubble to a major destination point in the Finger Lakes region.  The Geneva Lakefront is located on the NYS Canal System in the heart of one of the State's most important tourism regions.  The Lakefront also serves a City that has 55.6 percent low income persons, and the highest percentage of minority residents of any small city in upstate New York.  The Lakefront is also an important resource within a New York State Empire Zone.

The Master Plan divides the Lakefront into three zones.  The northern zone is "Lakeshore Park" which includes a boat launch and short term dock area constructed with EPF/LWRP grant and local funds, the multipurpose Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce building, and a series of multipurpose trails.  The extreme northern portion of this

 zone is linked to the Seneca State Park. The central portion of the Lakefront includes the Ramada Lakefront Hotel, as well as lands planned for future commercial development.  This area of the Lakefront represents an extension of the adjacent Central Business District.  Also located in this area is the new Public Dock area, refurbished and enlarged Long Pier, and the recently completed harbor master Building.  These facilities wee developed with LWRP, Canal Corridor Initiative, and local funds.  The existing Public Dock has a total of 250 linear feet and is heavily utilized.  Long Pier has recently undergone a major reconstruction project.  It has been significantly widened and has been "capped" with a hard walking surface.  Railings and lighting have also been added.  Long Pier functions as both a breakwater for the public dock area, a fishing pier, and as a recreation/tourist resource and lake visa location.

The southern zone of the Lakefront, known as "South Park", is largely undeveloped at the present time.  A shoreline trail and picnic area is planned for this area.  An underpass beneath State Route 5 & 20 link this area, as well as the central zone of the Lakefront, with a large vacant area proposed for parking.

The City of Geneva used a $25,000 Quality Communities Demonstration Program grant to complete the Lakefront/Downtown Development Plan.

Greenway/Lakefront Dock Improvement Project

The City of Geneva receives funding from the New York State Canal Corporation for lakefront improvements.

Boating and Walkways

Boat docking and walkways provide linkages to downtown Geneva and will ensure public access to the lakefront.

Ice Cream and Boating at Long Pier

Long Pier Ice Cream will continue their operation and will provide recreational watercraft.

The Ramada Inn Geneva Lakefront

The crowning project of the City’s lakefront campus is the Ramada Inn Geneva Lakefront.