A long-awaited skatepark jumpstarts a riverway initiative

Roc City Skatepark

As of fall 2020, Rochester, NY has lost its distinction as the only major city in the United States without a skatepark. Wheels are now rolling, lifting, spinning, and landing on a signature downtown skatepark beneath the city’s iconic Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge.

Alongside Friends of Roc City Skate Park, an enthusiastic local skateboard group, and the City of Rochester, we prepared a feasibility study, provided preliminary planning, and collaborated on a successful fund-raising campaign. Our team served as lead landscape architect and engineer, and provided services as the resident project representative (RPR) for this riverside venue. With the goal of raising the bar on custom concrete skate park design, the park features a variety of street and transition type terrain for all ages and skills. The 14,100 square foot venue provides skateboarders, BMX riders, and in-line skaters unique recreational opportunities.

The Roc City Skate Park is the first of many downtown revitalization projects under the city’s ROC the Riverway initiative.