ity of Rochester
News Release
(Friday, June 7, 2013) — Mayor Thomas S. Richards and Department of Recreation and Youth Services Commissioner Luis Burgos announced the beginning of the City’s Summer Recreation Programs today during a news conference at the Humboldt Recreation Center.
“We want families to get the most out of their summers and there are plenty of opportunities for youth and adults to have fun and stay cool at our City Recreation and Community Centers,” Mayor Richards said. “And when it gets really hot, we’ll be ready with our partners from RG&E to initiate Cool Sweep with extended hours at pools, spray parks and even with some fire hydrants. I want to thank RG&E for once again sponsoring Cool Sweep and helping us provide our citizens with this important service.”
Some 300 recreation employees at more than 20 City Recreation and Community Centers begin their summer schedules on June 24. Activities include sports and games, arts and crafts, reading labs, field trips, nature outings, horticulture, spray parks and much more. The City also offers swimming opportunities at the Genesee Valley Park pool, Durand Eastman Beach and several schools. Some locations offer free swimming lessons for children.
The summer season also includes Cool Sweep — presented by RG&E once again — to help those with limited opportunities to find relief from the heat. Once summer break begins, Cool Sweeps are triggered when the forecast calls for a day to reach 85 degrees. During Cool Sweep days, hours are extended at City pools, spray parks and at Durand Eastman beach and some fire hydrants are opened to provide a cooling spray.
When temperatures exceed 90 degrees, Cool Sweep extends into City branch library locations where residents can stay in an air-conditioned building. Cool Sweep hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cool Sweeps will not be activated on Sundays.
The City’s summer recreation programming also features — in partnership with the Rochester City School District — free breakfast and lunch for city youth ages 18 and under at 28 Recreation and Community Centers and other community sites Monday through Friday and at another six sites offering only lunch.
To get a taste of all of the programming offered this summer visit any neighborhood Recreation or Community Center during a summer kick off open house on Saturday, June 8. From 12 - 3 p.m., youth and their families can take a tour of the facilities, meet the friendly staff and get information on summer camps and other great recreation programs. The afternoon will be filled with free fun including games, special crafts, prize giveaways, healthy snacks and much more.
Visit www.cityofrochester.gov/DRYS for more information on these programs, including hours of operations, specific programs, and Summer Food Program sites. Or call the Department of Recreation and Youth Services at 428-6755.
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News Media: For more information, contact Luis Burgos, Department of Recreation and Youth Services Commissioner, at 428-6749.