City of Rochester expands After School in the Park program with new location and affordable care for local families
Rochester, New York – The City of Rochester is expanding its After School in the Park program for the upcoming school year, giving more families access to affordable after-school care and enrichment activities for children ages 6 to 11.
Registration for the 2026-2027 academic year is now open through the city’s website, with the program offering services at two locations. Returning this year is the site at Cobbs Hill Park, located at 100 Norris Drive, while the newly opened Maplewood Nature Center, at 107 Bridge View Drive, will serve as a second location for the first time.
City leaders say the expansion will make it easier for more families to find dependable childcare while giving children a safe and engaging place to spend their afternoons after school.
“A safe, supportive environment with opportunities to learn, play and make new friends – that’s what parent and guardians can count on when they enroll their children in After School in the Park,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “And this year, with the opening of our new Maplewood Nature Center, we’re able to make affordable after-school care accessible for even more students and families in our community.”
Program offers learning and recreation throughout the school year
The program will run from Sept. 8, 2026, through June 24, 2027, operating on school days from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Families enrolling for the full program year will pay $120 per week, giving children access to supervised activities throughout the academic year. Officials noted that the childcare program is Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulated, and Department of Social Services (DSS) childcare subsidies are accepted, helping make the program more affordable for qualifying families.
Activities will vary depending on the location and season, but participants can expect a wide range of educational and recreational opportunities. These may include homework assistance, arts and crafts, dance, nature-based learning, and other programs designed to encourage creativity, learning, and physical activity.
The city also announced that families enrolled for the full school year will automatically receive access to After School in the Park Break Week Camps during the winter, February, and spring recesses, following the Rochester City School District calendar.
Officials said including the break week camps in the annual program cost helps parents and guardians better plan for childcare needs during school vacations while ensuring children continue to enjoy structured, educational, and fun activities even when classes are not in session.
By expanding the program to a second location, city leaders hope to serve more students while providing reliable after-school care that supports working families. The addition of the Maplewood Nature Center also creates new opportunities for outdoor education and nature-focused experiences alongside the traditional enrichment activities already offered through the program.
Residents interested in enrolling their children or learning more about After School in the Park can visit the City of Rochester’s registration website or contact program staff Jasmine Chastine at [email protected] for additional information.
