Named in honor of Rome native, fallen Syracuse police officer Michael Jensen ROME — After completing a feasibility study, Rome is moving forward with plans for the Michael E. Jensen Recreation and Civic Center on Floyd Avenue. The facility will be named after Rome native Michael Jensen, a Syracuse police officer who killed in the […]
Named in honor of Rome native, fallen Syracuse police officer Michael Jensen
ROME — After completing a feasibility study, Rome is moving forward with plans for the Michael E. Jensen Recreation and Civic Center on Floyd Avenue.
The facility will be named after Rome native Michael Jensen, a Syracuse police officer who killed in the line of duty in during an incident in the Onondaga County town of Salina in April 2024.
Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan outlined plans for the new center during his State of the City address on Tuesday, May 27 at the Griffiss Institute.
Plans call for building the center on property that many thought would become a new Rome YMCA until the organization’s board of directors scrapped the plan in favor of renovating its existing building.
“Their decision not to proceed leaves a major gap in services and opportunities that our residents were counting on, a gap we’re now determined to fill,” Lanigan said in his remarks.
The new center — which will also be known as the Legacy Center — will serve as a “lasting tribute” to those who have shaped and served the City of Rome.
“At its heart will be Legacy Hall where community members will have the opportunity to honor individuals whose knowledge, talent, and service have left an enduring mark on the City of Rome,” Lanigan said.
Kimberly Rogers, Mayor Lanigan’s chief of staff, told CNYBJ in a July 9 email, “We are currently working with a consultant on a preliminary design for the project and have not yet selected a contractor.”
The Legacy Center will include the largest, single indoor turf facility in the region, capable of supporting 11-on-11 soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, and other field sports in all four seasons, “solidifying Rome’s position as a premier regional recreation community,” Lanigan contended.
The Rome mayor also noted that Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr. had announced in his State of the County address the development of the Runway, a major indoor complex at Griffiss Business & Technology Park, which will be designed as a large scale, regional tourism destination.
“County Executive Picente and I are united in our commitment to ensure that these two exciting projects complement and support each other with each offering unique programming and strengthening the other,” Lanigan said.
The Legacy Center will be a multipurpose facility that provides the Rome community with “premier” field space for local organizations to use year-round. It will ensure accommodation for all types of sports and events, making the new facility a “greater asset to the community while encouraging success and financial stability,” Lanigan said in his remarks.
Sports is a major focus for the facility, but it will also be a place for indoor movies, fairs, game nights, and civic events. It will feature many amenities that residents have requested, including an indoor walking track, a fitness center, and community space for public use.
Through discussions with both ICAN and Oneida County, the City of Rome sees the “critical need” for child-care services in our area. So, in addition to providing typical programming and services, Lanigan also said the Legacy Center will be home to a 10,000-square-foot child-care center.
“This is going to continue to help to serve the diverse needs of Rome families. Forward-thinking investments like this place Rome in the best possible position for the future,” Lanigan said.
