Big Changes Coming to Vestal’s Iconic Skate Estate Fun Center

A popular Vestal recreational facility has been sold and the new owner is preparing to renovate the site and to drop a couple of longtime features.

Skate Estate Family Fun Center on Vestal Road was acquired by a unit of Marchuska Development from Vestal Road Associates. Property records list the sale price as $880,000.

Endicott contractor Anthony Cerasaro built the roller skating rink. Skate Estate started operating in March 1982.

The first outdoor attraction was a miniature golf course. "The Water Wiz," a 34-foot-high water slide, opened in 1983.

Justin Marchuska said discussions about purchasing Skate Estate began more than two years ago.

Not many changes have been implemented yet but they are coming. Plans call for the construction of several private party rooms. New ceilings and flooring will be installed inside the complex.

Marchuska said the outdoor attractions - the water slide and the miniature golf course - will be removed. Some additional parking spaces will be available where the golf course is currently located.

Marchuska said he wants to make the place "more user-friendly." He said some changes may be made in Skate Estate's food offerings.

General manager Justin Hall noted the water slide was expensive to maintain and was subjected to a lot of wear and tear. The slide could be used for only about two-and-a-half months of the year because of the region's weather.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.