City R-Centers will open for limited special hours on Thursday, Jan. 15 as a snowstorm forces school closures

Rochester, New York – As a winter snowstorm approaches Rochester, city officials are adjusting community services to support families affected by school closures. In response to the forecast and the shutdown of Rochester City Schools, the City of Rochester announced that several R-Centers will open for limited, special hours on Thursday, Jan. 15, offering a safe and warm space for young people during the day.

Three R-Centers across the city will be open from 12 to 4 p.m., providing meals and structured activities aimed at keeping children engaged and cared for while schools remain closed. The centers scheduled to open are the David F. Gantt R-Center at 700 North St., the Edgerton R-Center at 41 Backus St., and the Adams Street R-Center at 85 Adams St.

During the four-hour window, youth who attend will be offered both lunch and dinner, along with healthy recreational activities designed to keep them active indoors despite the winter weather. City leaders emphasized that the temporary schedule is meant to help working families and caregivers manage the unexpected disruption caused by the storm.

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All other R-Centers throughout Rochester will remain closed on Thursday. Officials noted that limiting operations to three locations allows the city to concentrate staffing and resources while still providing meaningful support in key neighborhoods.

The city also confirmed that this schedule change is temporary. R-Centers, along with winter programs and activities, are expected to return to their normal hours of operation on Friday, Jan. 16, assuming weather conditions improve and it is safe to do so.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed as winter conditions develop. The city continues to monitor the storm and will provide updates if additional changes are needed. Families seeking more information about winter recreation programs, R-Center hours, or facility locations can find details on the city’s official website.

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City officials reminded residents to take precautions during the storm, limit unnecessary travel, and check on neighbors who may need assistance. By opening select R-Centers during the school closure, the city aims to balance safety concerns with the need to provide reliable community support during challenging winter weather.