City of Rome to use $200K in state funding for new stage, park improvements

ROME, N.Y. — The City of Rome will use $200,000 in state funding for a portable mobile stage and improvements to Veterans Memorial and Gansevoort Parks.

New York State Senator Joseph Griffo (R–Rome) secured the state funding for the two capital projects, his office said in a news release issued Friday.

Rome will allocate $150,000 to buy the portable mobile stage, which it will own and operate. Neighboring communities could also use the stage, if the City of Rome would choose to make it available, Griffo’s office said.

Besides the stage, Rome will use the additional $50,000 to “help enhance” Veterans Memorial Park and Gansevoort Park, twin parks located on opposite sides of the 200 block of North James Street in downtown Rome.

“As a former mayor, I understand the important role that local parks play in enhancing a community’s appeal to its residents, tourists and newcomers,” Griffo said in the release. “Parks are central places to gather and host community activities, so we should continuously dedicate resources to help maintain and beautify our parks for people to use. Our veterans have done an extraordinary job working with the City of Rome to modernize Veterans Park as a fitting honor to soldiers on occasions like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, so I am pleased that these additional funds can be used to further enhance this park.”

Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo on Friday joined Griffo at Gansevoort Park to express her appreciation for the funding.

 “These funds secured by the senator will help improve our park system and the quality of life for our residents. The addition of a portable mobile stage will also greatly enhance the City’s ability to support events like Honor America Days and the various events at our parks and other venues taking place in the city throughout the year,” Izzo said in the release.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com