Our Work
Ongoing initiatives
Beyond the projects here, we're always exploring new ideas - upgrades to the Central Square stage, more flower pots, a percussion wall, more Edison string lights, and a lighted fountain in the Cocheco River. Our progress is limited only by the support we receive.
Downtown Scholarship
An annual scholarship for a Spaulding High School senior who lives, works, or volunteers in downtown Rochester NH, funded by local donors.
Bigfoot Scavenger Hunt
Painted Bigfoot cutouts hidden across downtown Rochester NH all summer in a free family scavenger hunt with raffle prizes at local shops.
Mini-Scavenger Hunts
Small free seasonal scavenger hunts, like rubber ducks hidden on benches, that give Rochester NH families a reason to explore downtown.
Central Square
Ongoing care and improvement of Central Square in Rochester NH: plantings, seasonal decor, the welcome sign, and upgrades to the stage.
Downtown Planters
Sponsored flower barrels and seasonal plantings along Main Street in Rochester NH, planted and tended by volunteers spring through fall.
Riverwalk Planting Beds
Pollinator and ornamental gardens along the Cocheco Riverwalk in Rochester NH, planted and maintained with the Lilac City Gardeners.
Downtown Seating
Benches and bistro tables along the Cocheco Riverwalk and downtown sidewalks make Rochester NH a place to sit, read, and stay a while.
Dog Waste Stations
Free pickup bags at dog waste stations across downtown Rochester NH keep the sidewalks and Riverwalk clean and dog-friendly.
Santa Series
Rochester NH's holiday lineup: Shop Small Saturday with Santa, the cookie raffle, and Elf Off The Shelf, late November through December.
Clean-ups
Rochester Cares each spring plus year-round litter sweeps, Riverwalk weeding, and graffiti cleanup keep downtown Rochester NH welcoming.
Halloween Decorations
Scarecrows on the lamp posts and seasonal decor turn downtown Rochester NH into a Halloween destination all October long.
Student Art Walk
A two-part program with local schools that hangs student art in downtown Rochester NH storefronts and hides painted rocks across the district.
Sign & Facade Grant
Matching funds that help downtown Rochester NH property and business owners invest in signage, facades, and exterior improvements.
Richard Southard Historic Preservation Grant
A grant honoring Richard Southard that helps downtown Rochester NH property owners preserve and restore historic architecture.
Rochester Thank A Cop
Community-led since 2018, Rochester Thank A Cop honors Rochester NH police officers with gifts and Paint the City Blue displays each September.
When neighbors pitch in, our impact multiplies
Every initiative on this page is powered by volunteers, sponsors, and donors.
