Riverwalk Committee

ROCHESTER RIVERWALK COMMITTEE MINUTES March 26, 2026 City Hall Annex, ROCHESTER, NH 03867 MEMBERS PRESENT –Maggie McConaghy, Barbara Murphy, Stacey Purslow, Esther Thompson, David Walker OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE –Renée McIsaac of Rochester Planning & Development ABSENT – Jon Batson, Jeffrey Bisson, Peter Bruckner A. CALL TO ORDER — David called the meeting to order at 5:35. B. PUBLIC INPUT — None. C. APPROVAL — A motion was made by Esther, seconded by Maggie, and unanimously approved to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of April 24, 2025, the minutes of the regular meeting of October 23, 2025, and minutes of the regular meeting of February 26, 2026. D. Discussion—Upcoming 2026 Events a. Rochester Cares Clean-up Saturday, 04/18/26 9:00am-noon Check-in is at the Parson Main statue. In past events, donuts were available for participants at the start and lunch provided by downtown merchants. This is a family-friendly event. b. River Day Saturday, 06/06/26 (Rain date Sunday, 06/07/26) 9:00am-3:00pm The event date established on June 6th eliminates the conflict with Wings ‘n’ Wheels. River Day is a coordinated effort of the Great Bay Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the City of Rochester. Parking is in the lot by Hanson Pines. The morning is dedicated to clean-up activities. The afternoon is for learning, Exploration, and conservation activities. Trout Unlimited is setting up activities of interest, such as casting a fishing lure to a target. Riverwalk is providing a scavenger hunt for families. Esther is working with Renée to design the scavenger hunt materials. c. Wings and Wheels Saturday, 06/13/26 and Sunday, 06/14/26 Times tba The committee will consider setting up a booth or sharing a booth with a compatible organization in a future meeting. d. Lilac Family Fun Festival Saturday, 07/11/2026 4:00pm-9:00pm David plans to staff the Riverwalk booth for the entire day. Renée checked the inventory of materials needed for the booth. The inventory appears to be ample. E. Discussion—Update on Current Initiatives a. Overlook The plan is completed and the construction company is preparing to start before summer. Changes to the plan are the elimination of the canopy while leaving the structure to carry the canopy in the plan and some changes to the approach to the overlook but not to the overlook itself. The funding of the overlook did not use any Rochester taxpayer monies. b. Walkway from second dam (SES) to pedestrian bridge The project is underway with demolition activity begun. Installation of the pylons to secure the walkway along the river is the first step in construction. The project will move from riverside inward 1  to the construction of the parking lots and buildings. The walkway is a collaboration between private and public. c. Pedestrian bridge from the Miller complex over the Cocheco to Wyandotte The footing on the west side (Miller) is cleared with the property owner. The footing on the east side (Wyandotte) has not yet been cleared. Grants are in the works. Solicitation of a donor, or donors, for completing the funding will begin once the price tag is firm. d. Pedestrian bridge connecting to fairgrounds That phase of Riverwalk will be entered once current initiatives are underway or completed. F. Discussion—Other a. Photography and illustration Before and after pictures help promote the city as a walkable place. Images of construction as it progresses are important to informing the public and encouraging support for outdoor recreation accessible from downtown. b. Economic benefits Work was done a year ago to detail the predictable benefits of an easily accessible walking loop and trails to a city like Rochester. Stacey has access to this information and plans to create a poster (24” x 36”) for use at community events. Renée has printing capability and some old foam boards to use as mounts. c. River Lights There is no update on the event being planned by a local business person for this spring. d. Intervale David proposed that the committee plan to walk the intervale once the weather allows. Perhaps at our May meeting or on a Saturday. e. Duval Park The hydrangea, a plant that was notable at this location in the past, needs to be replanted. Renée will check the funds in the Riverwalk account. If funds allow, David will purchase hydrangea plants. Other members will donate perennials from their gardens. Barbara and Esther are on standby to assist with planting in the next couple weeks. G. Adjourn — Motion to adjourn was made at 6:20 by Maggie, seconded by Stacey and accepted unanimously. Next meeting will be Thursday, April 23, 2026, 5:30pm at City Hall Annex. —Respectfully submitted by Esther Thompson 2