Rochester R-centers open their doors to give kids a week full of safe and fun spring break activities across the city

Rochester, New York – Spring break is often a time when families search for ways to keep children active, engaged, and safe while school is out. This year, city leaders are encouraging local families to look no further than their neighborhood R-Centers, which will once again transform into lively hubs of recreation and community during the break.

From Monday, March 30, through Thursday, April 2, several Rochester R-Centers will extend their hours and offer a variety of activities designed to give children a place to learn, play, and socialize. The initiative aims to provide families with accessible options while ensuring that young people have a supportive environment during the days when classrooms sit empty.

Mayor Malik D. Evans said the centers are ready to welcome students throughout the week with programs that mix recreation with community spirit.

“When school is out, our R-Centers are ready with fun activities for kids and families,” said Mayor Evans. “Make a splash in the Jackson R-Center’s indoor pool, challenge a friend in your favorite video game, or shoot some hoops with neighbors – whatever your recreation style, we’ve got you covered.”

Read also: Gillibrand and Clyburn reintroduce legislation aimed at protecting voting rights and expanding voter access across the United States

Four R-Centers will operate on extended schedules throughout the break week. The Adams St. R-Center at 85 Adams St. will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Meanwhile, the Frederick Douglass R-Center, located at 999 South Ave., will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Trenton & Pamela Jackson R-Center at 285 N. Clinton Ave. and the Thomas P. Ryan R-Center at 530 Webster Ave. will both welcome participants from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In addition to longer hours, these locations will also offer breakfast and lunch for children attending the programs, making the centers not only a place for recreation but also a dependable support for families during the break.

Several other R-Centers across the city will also host spring break activities, though with slightly shorter schedules. The Avenue D R-Center at 200 Avenue D, Carter St. R-Center at 500 Carter St., Hope R-Center at 524 Campbell St., and Willie W. Lightfoot R-Center at 271 Flint St. will each operate from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week.

The David F. Gantt R-Center at 700 North St. will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., also offering activities along with snacks and lunch for participants.

City officials say the programs will include a wide range of recreational opportunities—from sports and indoor games to social activities designed to keep kids engaged throughout the day. The goal is to create a welcoming environment where young people can spend time with friends, try new activities, and stay active.

Read also: State Police arrest inmate accused of attacking correction officer during overnight incident at Livingston County prison

Not every location will be open, however. The Edgerton R-Center will remain closed for the entire week, from Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3. Additionally, all R-Centers throughout the city will close on Friday, April 3, in observance of Good Friday.

Even with that closure, city leaders emphasize that the remaining days of the week will offer plenty of chances for students to stay busy and connected with their community.

For many families, the R-Centers have become a familiar part of the city’s recreation system—places where children can safely gather, learn new skills, and simply enjoy being kids. Spring break programming continues that tradition, turning what might otherwise be quiet days into opportunities for movement, laughter, and neighborhood connection.

Families interested in learning more about available programs and activities during spring break and throughout the year can find additional details on the city’s website at www.CityofRochester.gov/Recreation.