Rochester riverwalk with amphitheater? Project taking small steps forward

ROCHESTER — David Walker's vision for a riverwalk in the city began in 2007 and it has been a long road, but there are signs of progress.

Walker chairs the city's Riverwalk Committee. Seeing the project to connect the city's downtown to trails and parks along the Cocheco River come to fruition is a passion for him.

The big projects for the city to make the vision of a riverwalk reality are a scenic overlook and an amphitheater. Funding for the design and planning are finally in place.

"We are looking to construct a 36-foot platform overlook," he said. "We were approved last month by the city council for $200,000 in (federal American Rescue Plan Act) funds, and we are also planning a riverwalk dinner in September, to bring greater awareness to the riverwalk project. Hopefully by this time next year, we might get going on the project."

Walker, a former Rochester mayor, said he even has been approached by officials from the neighboring towns of Farmington and Barrington, interested in joining the project and potentially connecting the three municipalities through the use of the trails.

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The concept began in 2007, more than a decade ago. Walker said they want to connect the city through trails, and through improvements to areas along the river to increase access to using the Cocheco River resource. Walker acknowledged finding all the funding that is needed is difficult, but things are moving forward slowly.

Why riverwalk is seen as important for Rochester's future

Rochester Economic Development Director Michael Scala said he totally supports the riverwalk project.

"I think it is an important part of the redevelopment of our city," Scala said. "I read a book, called 'Our Towns,' about the successful revitalization of towns and cities. It said the ones with the most success have either a riverwalk or a brewery. I would like to see us have both."

Scala said the Cocheco River is an untapped resource for the city.

"It runs right through Rochester," he said. "The mayor and most city officials support this project. I think we are beginning to move forward with this, and I think it is a good project for us. It will be great for our residents, as we connect the rail trails. The overlook and other projects will add to the city, attracting more tourists. People want places to walk, to snowshoe, to walk their dogs and to bicycle. This can accomplish all of those goals, improving the quality of life for everyone."

Riverwalk moving ahead slowly

Some smaller projects have been completed, like a canoe launch at Hanson Pines, and refurbishing work on benches there.

"We have been cleaning the benches, repairing them, and replacing them as needed," Walker said. "We are planning to do educational walks along the river the get people better acquainted with what we have to offer."

Walker said the Riverwalk Committee is working closely with the city, through the recreation department, the Planning Board and Rochester Main Street. He said the Strafford Regional Planning Commission is involved in the coordination.

"Now we need to find all the money," he said.

What is vision for amphitheater?

Walker said the amphitheater plan would be in the Water Street area, near the Wyandot Falls, close to the city's downtown.

"We could have music, and many other events there, to bring people downtown," Walker said. "We were approved in the budget for $50,000 for planning. These projects would be a win for everyone, the city and the residents."

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Walker said the Riverwalk Committee had a booth at the Lilac City Funfest this summer. He said they were asking people what amenities they would like to see along the river.

"We had good suggestions, things like a splash pad, dog stations and shaded areas," he said. "Next month the committee is planing a field trip, a walk along the river, from Water Street to the fairgrounds."

How could Farmington and Barrington get involved?

Connecting to Farmington is in serious talks. Walker said Barrington is interested but not yet as committed.

"To connect to Farmington (about 10-12 miles), we would need four bridge connections," Walker said. "We need state approval for one as it would need to cross Route 11, maybe with a bridge or a tunnel. Barrington could be connected through the rail trails, east along the tracks by Old Dover Road. The biggest hindrance there would be a crossing of Route 16. We see it being all about connectivity, bringing our towns together."

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Rochester NH riverwalk with amphitheater: Vision makes progress