MAYOR OPENS NEW WEST UTICA SKATEPARK

Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri opened the Jason G. Waterman Skate Park at Lincoln Park. Construction of the Park began in the spring, and skaters have been anxious for the project to finish. The $500,000 renovation of the popular skating destination is part of the Utica Prosperity Initiative and a result of American Rescue Plan Act Funding.

There is one feature remaining to be completed. The name of deceased frequent skater Jason G. Waterman will be cemented into the park later this summer.

The new park is concrete and custom designed following the feedback of Utica’s skating community. Members of Utica’s skating community voiced concerns to the administration and the Common Council about the need for upgrades at the park. The U.S. Treasury Department issued guidelines calling for investment in public outdoor spaces that would allow for safe activity and combat underlying conditions like obesity and diabetes in vulnerable communities.

The park at Lincoln will be a state-of-the-art concrete structure that challenges Utica’s most advanced skaters and was designed and was installed by Spohn Ranch, a world-class Los Angeles based skatepark design firm. 

Mayor Palmieri said: “This is truly a state-of-the art park and it will enhance our park system and the lives of our residents. We have developed a passionate, committed and capable skating community in Utica and they deserve the best possible facilities. Couple this with the T.R. Proctor skatepark we’re working on now, and Utica will be a destination for skaters across the region.”