Rome Skatepark Gets $1 Million State Boost for Expansion

Rome Skatepark gets a $1 million state boost for expansion as part of a $1.5 million Mohawk Valley funding package announced by Governor Kathy Hochul in early October 2026. The money, delivered through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), will fund Phase 2 of the SFM Memorial Skatepark at Bellamy Harbor Park, adding new skate and bike features, lighting, seating, landscaping, and a safer entrance road. Phase 1 already opened to the public in August 2025, so this grant builds on an active, well-used facility rather than starting a project from zero.

Rome Skatepark Gets $1 Million State Boost for Expansion: Project Overview

Rome Skatepark gets a $1 million state boost for expansion because state officials want to finish what Phase 1 started: a full-scale, modern skate and bike plaza on the city’s waterfront. The money targets the SFM Memorial Skatepark project specifically, pushing it into its second construction phase.

Governor Hochul’s office announced the funding on October 1 and 2, 2026, framing it alongside health-center funding in Oneonta as an investment that strengthens “access to recreational opportunities and health services” across the Mohawk Valley, according to Governor Hochul’s announcement of the $1.5 million Mohawk Valley investment. Local reporting confirms the grant is routed through DASNY, making it an official capital infrastructure award rather than a small grant program, as detailed in the Rome Sentinel’s coverage of the state grant for the skatepark.

Rome Mayor Jeffrey M. Lanigan called the investment “fantastic news for the City of Rome and for the future of this important waterfront project,” adding that the city “is not stopping there” when it comes to further development of the site.

“Fantastic news for the City of Rome and for the future of this important waterfront project.”, Mayor Jeffrey M. Lanigan

Where Is Rome Skatepark Located

The SFM Memorial Skatepark sits at Bellamy Harbor Park, on the canal and riverfront in the City of Rome, New York. It occupies a site that was previously a vacant brownfield before public funding converted it into recreational space.

This location matters for a few reasons:

• It connects directly to Rome’s broader waterfront district, which is also the focus of a separate $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award covering areas near Little Italy and the industrial riverfront, as reported by WKTV’s coverage of Rome’s waterfront Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

• Visitors reach it as part of a canal-side park system, similar in spirit to other canal recreation spaces covered in Christmas Cheer Comes To Canal Park, which highlights how canal-adjacent parks serve as community gathering points.

• Its waterfront setting is central to why the state and city both describe it as a destination project rather than a neighborhood amenity.

Choose this location as your reference point if you’re planning a visit: Bellamy Harbor Park, not a separate municipal lot, is where both Phase 1 and the upcoming Phase 2 work are happening.

How Much Funding Did Rome Skatepark Receive in the $1 Million State Boost for Expansion

Rome Skatepark received $1 million in state capital funding for its expansion, part of a combined $1.5 million package for the Mohawk Valley region. That $1 million is earmarked specifically for Phase 2 construction at the SFM Skatepark.

Here is how the funding adds up across the project’s history, based on currently available reporting:

Funding SourceAmountPurpose2026 DASNY state grant$1 millionPhase 2 expansionNYS Canal Corporation Canalway Grant$150,000Transformed brownfield into initial public spaceOneida County (ARPA funds)$250,000Phase 1 constructionCity of Rome local funds$400,000SFM Skatepark overall project

The county’s $250,000 contribution is documented in Oneida County’s announcement of its skatepark funding, and the city’s additional $400,000 appears in Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan’s 2024 year-in-review message. Together, these layers of funding show a project built on multiple levels of government support rather than a single grant.

Common mistake: Assuming the $1 million is the total project cost. It is only the Phase 2 state contribution; county, canal, and city funds already covered earlier work.

When Will the Rome Skatepark Expansion Be Completed

No official completion date for Phase 2 has been published as of October 2026. Early county planning documents had originally targeted Phase 2 construction for 2025, which means the new state grant is likely closing a funding gap rather than starting the timeline from scratch, based on Oneida County’s project funding announcement.

What is known:

• Phase 1 opened to the public in August 2025.

• The $1 million DASNY grant was announced in early October 2026.

• Design and construction decisions for Phase 2 are expected to move forward now that funding is secured, per FingerLakes1’s report on the Oneonta and Rome funding awards.

• Exact construction start dates depend on future procurement and permitting steps that have not yet been made public.

Edge case: If you’re planning an event or visit around a specific Phase 2 feature, check with the city before finalizing plans, since no construction calendar has been released.

What Features Are Being Added to Rome Skatepark

Phase 2 will add more skate and bike elements, additional seating, landscaping with new tree plantings, lighting, signage, and a safer access road. These additions are designed to round out the park into a complete waterfront recreation space rather than a single skate surface.

Specific planned additions include:

• New skate and bike features beyond the existing pump track

• More seating areas for spectators, families, and skaters taking breaks

• Landscaping and tree plantings along the park perimeter

• Lighting for extended evening use

• Updated signage for rules and wayfinding

• Ground improvements and a relocated or modified access road for safer entry

The access road change is notable on its own. Current reporting from WKTV’s coverage of the state funding for Rome and Oneonta projects frames it as a direct fix for safety and connectivity issues at the park entrance, not just a cosmetic upgrade.

Rome Skatepark vs Other Skateparks Nearby: How It Compares

Rome’s SFM Memorial Skatepark stands out from smaller regional skate spots because of its size, waterfront setting, and multi-phase design. At roughly 30,000 square feet, it is built as a full concrete skatepark and civic plaza, not a single ramp installation.

FeatureSFM Skatepark (Rome)Typical Smaller Regional SkateparkSizeAbout 30,000 sq ftOften a few thousand sq ftSurfacePoured concrete plazaMixed concrete and modular rampsBike pump trackYesRarely includedWaterfront settingYes, Bellamy Harbor ParkUsually inland municipal lotMulti-phase expansion fundingState, county, city, and canal grantsOften single local budget lineNamed memorial statusYes, honors Stone F. MercurioUncommon

Choose the SFM Skatepark if you want a larger, more varied surface with bike-friendly terrain and waterfront scenery. Choose a smaller local spot if you’re looking for a quieter, lower-traffic practice area closer to home.

How to Use Rome Skatepark: Hours and Rules

Rome Skatepark operates as a public park feature at Bellamy Harbor Park, open for skating and biking during standard daylight park hours. Specific posted hours and formal rules have not been detailed in state or city press materials reviewed for this article, so visitors should confirm current signage on-site or check with the City of Rome parks department before visiting.

General guidance that applies to most public skateparks like this one:

• Expect informal shared-use etiquette: yield to riders already using a line or feature.

• Bring your own protective gear, since skateparks typically do not supply equipment.

• Watch for posted signage near the entrance covering any age restrictions, helmet rules, or time limits.

• Avoid peak after-school hours if you prefer a less crowded session.

Decision rule: Visit in the early morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays if you want fewer riders and more open space to practice.

Is Rome Skatepark Free to Use

Yes, Rome Skatepark is a public park facility and does not charge an entry fee. It functions like other municipal skateparks funded through public grants, meaning access is open to residents and visitors at no cost.

This matters for families and casual riders because:

• No membership or day-pass system has been reported for the facility.

• Public funding sources, including the Canalway Grant and city contributions, were specifically used to build a free community amenity.

• Free access is consistent with how the project is marketed: as a youth and family hub tied to Rome’s waterfront revitalization.

What Skill Level Is Rome Skatepark Good For: Can Beginners Learn Here

Rome Skatepark is designed to serve a wide range of skill levels, from beginners learning basic balance on the pump track to more experienced skaters using the concrete plaza features. The park’s layout, combining a bike pump track with varied skate terrain, supports both entry-level practice and advanced riding in the same space.

Beginners can typically start with:

• The pump track, which is built for building momentum and balance without steep drops

• Flat plaza sections for practicing basic rolling and turning

• Lower-intensity hours when fewer advanced riders are present

More experienced skaters and bikers can use:

• Transition features and ramps added in Phase 1

• Future Phase 2 features once construction is complete

• Open plaza space for line-building and tricks

Example: A parent bringing a child who has never stood on a skateboard can reasonably start on the pump track or flat plaza, then progress to ramp features as confidence builds.

Best Skateparks in the Rome Area

The SFM Memorial Skatepark is currently the largest and most heavily funded public skatepark in the City of Rome, making it the primary recommendation for riders in the immediate area. Other nearby municipalities in the Mohawk Valley operate smaller skate spots, but none have received comparable state capital investment as of this 2026 funding announcement.

For families looking for additional nearby community recreation resources while visiting the area, local park programs such as those highlighted in Reminder: Johnson Park Center Free Food Giveaways for December show how regional parks often combine recreation with broader community services.

Choose Rome’s SFM Skatepark if: you want the largest, best-funded, most feature-rich skate facility in the immediate region. Choose a smaller local spot if proximity to home matters more than size or variety.

Rome Skatepark Events and Competitions

No specific skate competitions or recurring events at the SFM Memorial Skatepark have been detailed in official state or city funding announcements reviewed for this article. The park is currently promoted primarily as a community and youth recreation hub rather than a competition venue.

That said, the pattern seen in similar public investment announcements suggests event programming could follow as Phase 2 nears completion:

• Public funding announcements often precede community ribbon-cutting events.

• Waterfront parks with plazas and seating, like the one planned for Phase 2, are commonly used for exhibitions once built out.

• Local officials have described the skatepark as a long-term community hub, which often leads to organized programming over time.

Edge case: If you’re organizing a private skate event or clinic, contact the City of Rome directly, since no formal reservation or permit process has been published yet.

Can Beginners Learn at Rome Skatepark Safety-Wise

Beginners can learn safely at Rome Skatepark as long as they use appropriate protective gear and start on lower-intensity features like the pump track or flat plaza areas. The open, shared-use nature of public skateparks means new riders share space with more advanced users, so timing and awareness matter.

Tips for a safer beginner session:

• Visit during slower hours to avoid crowding around ramps.

• Start on flat or gently sloped sections before attempting transitions.

• Ask more experienced riders for line etiquette if unsure.

Safety Requirements and Equipment at Rome Skatepark

Standard skatepark safety practice applies at Rome Skatepark: riders should wear a helmet and protective pads, since the park is an open public facility without on-site staff supervision or equipment rental. No separate mandatory equipment law specific to this skatepark has been published, so general New York skatepark safety norms apply.

Recommended equipment:

• Helmet (strongly recommended for all skill levels)

• Knee and elbow pads

• Wrist guards, especially for beginners

• Closed-toe, skate-appropriate footwear

Common mistake: Assuming a free public skatepark means supervision or rental gear is available on-site. Riders should bring their own equipment every visit.

FAQ

What is the SFM Memorial Skatepark named after?
The park is named in honor of Rome native Stone F. Mercurio and is promoted as both a memorial and a community recreation hub.

How much state money did Rome Skatepark receive in 2026?
Rome Skatepark received $1 million in state capital funding through DASNY, part of a larger $1.5 million Mohawk Valley funding package also supporting an Oneonta health center.

When did Phase 1 of the skatepark open?
Phase 1 opened to the public in August 2025, including skate areas, shade structures, and a bicycle pump track.

Is there a fee to use Rome Skatepark?
No, it is a free public park facility funded through state, county, and city grants.

What new features will Phase 2 add?
Phase 2 adds more skate and bike features, seating, landscaping, lighting, signage, and a safer, relocated access road.

Where exactly is the skatepark located?
It sits at Bellamy Harbor Park on Rome’s canal and riverfront.

Does the skatepark have a construction completion date?
No official completion date has been announced as of October 2026, though funding is now secured to move the project forward.

Is the skatepark good for beginners?
Yes, the pump track and flat plaza areas are suitable for new riders, while more advanced features serve experienced skaters and bikers.

Does the park host competitions?
No competitions have been formally announced; the park is currently framed as a community and youth recreation space.

Conclusion: Rome Skatepark Gets $1 Million State Boost for Expansion, Next Steps

Rome Skatepark gets a $1 million state boost for expansion that turns a popular but unfinished waterfront project into a more complete public recreation space. The funding, delivered through DASNY as part of a $1.5 million Mohawk Valley package, supports Phase 2 construction at the SFM Memorial Skatepark, adding features, seating, landscaping, lighting, and a safer entrance at Bellamy Harbor Park.

For residents and visitors, the practical next steps are straightforward:

1. Visit Phase 1 now, since it has been open since August 2025 and is free to use.

2. Bring your own helmet and pads, since no on-site rental equipment is available.

3. Watch for city announcements on Phase 2 construction timing, since no official start date has been published yet.

4. Check local news sources periodically for updates on access road changes, which may temporarily affect entry during construction.

The project reflects a broader pattern of state and local governments investing in waterfront recreation as both a youth development tool and an economic anchor for downtown revitalization.