Nancy Loud Park holds ribbon cutting celebrating it official opening

Former Nancy Loud School Principal Nancy Loud, blue scarf, cuts the ribbon celebrating the official opening of the playground and park named in her honor. (Courtesy photo)

EAST ROCHESTER - A ribbon-cutting was held on Thursday for the Nancy Loud Park.

The park commemorates the Nancy Loud School, named after the school's first principal, Nancy Loud, who served from 1980-2008. Loud, who is currently residing in Rochester, attended the ceremony and performed the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon.

The Nancy Loud School closed in August 2023,

This project was funded with City Council-allocated funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The new park includes:

• A new playground
• A new basketball court, painted and ready for play
• Multi-generational fitness equipment
• Benches and bike racks
• Gravel walking paths weave through the site
• Ambient perimeter lighting
• Preservation of the existing East Rochester Pool and pool house

The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from Caitlyn Turgeon of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Paul Callaghan, Nancy Loud, and Recreation Director Lauren Krans. The Rochester Public Library also coordinated a StoryWalk® around the park, allowing patrons to enjoy a fun book while exploring the new space.

The ribbon cutting was held in conjunction with the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce;

Community members can learn more about Nancy Loud Park and other recreation facilities in Rochester by visiting rec.rochesternh.gov.