City of Rochester
News Release
(Friday, Feb. 17, 2023) – Today Mayor Malik D. Evans announced that the City’s R-Centers will shift to a daytime schedule and host special programs over the February Recess to provide children and youth fun and engaging activities when many parents are at work.
“Every kid loves a week off from school, but mid-year breaks can be a source of concern for working parents who may struggle to find childcare options,” said Mayor Evans. “R-Centers offer fun and engaging programs during the workday to keep Rochester’s youth healthy, safe, and learning over the February Recess. I encourage everyone to take advantage of these neighborhood treasures and enjoy a stress free break while their kids have fun and stay busy with caring adults.”
City R-Centers will be closed Monday, Feb. 20 for Presidents Day, but will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 through Friday, Feb. 24. R-Centers—typically open during after-school and evening hours during the school year—offer a wide array of healthy and productive ways to stay active, including basketball courts, game rooms, fitness centers, computer and educational programs. The R-Centers will provide meals for participants during February Recess.
Several of the R-Centers will also offer special programs during the February Recess. These include:
- National Pancake Day
- 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21. Youth are invited to celebrate National Pancake Day with free pancakes and to create “Dream” boards at the Carter Street R-Center, 500 Carter St.
- Celebrating Black History Movies
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21. Visitors can watch a movie that features Black figures and role models at the Avenue D R-Center, 200 Avenue D.
- Biddy Basketball Tournament
- 2 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22. Have fun while being active on the court at the Trenton and Pamela Jackson R-Center, 485 N. Clinton Ave.
- Winter Powder Painting
- 1 to 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 24. Families are invited to enjoy outdoor snow powder painting (weather permitting) at the Trenton and Pamela Jackson R-Center, 485 N. Clinton Ave.
- Movies and Chat
- 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24. Participants can get a ride from the Hope Center to the Edgerton Center to watch the movie “The Hate You Give.” Pre-register by calling 428-6769. Tyshaun Cauldwell R-Center for Hope, 524 Campbell St.; Edgerton R-Center, 41 Backus St.
In addition, Bureau of Recreation will offer Biz Kid$ business education camp all week long. This interactive camp teaches kids how to start their own businesses. Kids have a chance to earn money and win prizes while learning about business concepts, goal setting, public speaking, time management, and financial literacy. Biz Kid$ runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday including (on Presidents Day) and includes breakfast, lunch and business supplies for participants. The February Recess camp has closed registration but Biz Kid$ camps are also held during the Spring and Summer Recesses. Call 428-7098 for more information and an application.
The Rochester Community Sports Complex will operate on its regular hours during the break and will offer R-Sports Recess Clinics from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 460 Oak St. The program is free to children ages 8 to 13. Families can register at www.cityofrochester.gov/r-central/.
The ice rinks at Genesee Valley Park and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park will also operate during their regular hours during the break. Rink schedules can be found at www.cityofrochester.gov/skating.
Rochester Public Library branches will open for regular hours next week and are also hosting a variety of programs to keep children busy and learning. To learn more, visit www.roccitylibrary.org.
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