Rome plans 'destination skatepark' in memory of 18-year-old Clarkson University student

Edward Harris, Observer-Dispatch
·1 min read

Friends and family of 18-year-old Stone Mercurio are working to create a skatepark in his memory at the former Rod Mill site in Rome.

Mercurio, a Clarkson University student, died April 18. He was an avid skateboarder and felt Rome was lacking a real skatepark, according to documentation about the skatepark.

Rome’s Common Council passed a resolution supporting the creation of the skatepark at its meeting last week.

Friends and family of the late Stone Mercurio are working to create a skatepark in his memory at the former Rod Mill site in Rome.
Friends and family of the late Stone Mercurio are working to create a skatepark in his memory at the former Rod Mill site in Rome.

“It will be a tremendous asset to the city of Rome,” Third Ward Councilor Kimberly Rogers said.

A nonprofit development group is being formed with over 1,000 donations received, totaling over $60,000 to create the park, Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo said.

The skatepark – dubbed the SFM Skatepark – is planned to be built at Bellamy Harbor Park, in close proximity to the Navigation Center.

Once completed, SFM Skatepark will be the second skatepark in the city. There is a skatepark facility at Pinti Field, but it only provides ramps and does not have a modern design.

“We believe SFM Skatepark will not only serve our community well but will become a destination skatepark for skateboarders around the country,” said Izzo.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Rome memorial skatepark moves forward: What happens next