Staff reports 5:54 a.m.
Saturday, May 23, 2026 5:55 am

The park between City Hall and the Fire Department was originally named for former Rochester Mayor John Shaw by his own administration in the mid-1970s. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - It is very fitting that just prior to this Memorial Weekend the City of Rochester announced a rededication ceremony of the former Shaw Park at City Hall to Veterans Park.

The official dedication will held on June 8 at noon with Rochester Mayor Chuck Grassie, members of the City Council, Rochester Veterans Council, and Vouchers for Veterans also on hand. The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce will also hold a special ribbon-cutting as part of the ceremony.

The park between City Hall and the Fire Department was originally named for former Rochester Mayor John Shaw by his own administration in the mid-1970s.

Recently, members of the City Council moved to rename the park to honor Rochester veterans, as the location already includes tributes to Veterans of WWI and WWII. Additionally, City Hall was dedicated to the public on Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day, in 1908, adding further meaning to the dedication.

The stone monument displayed in the park will be refurbished to include a new plaque featuring the new name.