The Recreation Department for the City of Rochester is pleased to announce an upcoming listening session to gather public input on the future of the former Nancy Loud School parcel.

At a neighborhood meeting in November 2023, attendees strongly supported replacing the current playground and preserving the site as a public park. This second listening session aims to give residents another opportunity to share their ideas with city leaders, helping to shape the development of the new park and playground.

A microphone will be available for residents to speak. To ensure that as many people as possible are heard, each participant will be given up to 5 minutes to speak. Priority will be given to East Rochester residents, especially those living in the immediate vicinity.

The session will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, in the gymnasium of East Rochester School at 773 Portland Street. The event is open to the public, and neighborhood participation is highly encouraged. Invitation letters were sent to those living in the vicinity of the former school.

To accommodate families, Recreation staff will be offering onsite complimentary childcare during the meeting for children ages 2 years and older.

Demolition of the former Nancy Loud School is tentatively scheduled for the first week of November and is expected to be completed by the end of the month. For safety reasons, Public Works advises residents to avoid the area during this time.

For questions regarding the upcoming park listening session, contact Recreation Director Lauren: Lauren.Krans@rochesternh.gov or 603 332 4120.