Empire State Development Announces Grand Opening of Marcus Park Transformation in Olean

Project Includes First Inclusive Playground in Cattaraugus County

Vision for All-Inclusive Playground was Brought to Life through the Support of INtandem and the INtandem Foundation

See Pictures of Marcus Park Here

Empire State Development (ESD) and the City of Olean today announced the ribbon cutting for renovations at Marcus Park, a previously underutilized city-owned public park located at West Sullivan between N. 13th and N. 15th streets. The more than $2 million project has transformed the neighborhood hub into the city's most inclusive destination, with an all-inclusive playground, modernized facilities and city dog park. The vision for the all-inclusive playground was brought to life through the support of INtandem and the INtandem Foundation. See pictures of Marcus Park here.

"The completion of Marcus Park marks a transformative milestone for Olean, turning an underutilized space into a vibrant, inclusive destination that reflects the heart of the community," said ESD President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. "By prioritizing accessibility and modern placemaking, this project creates an environment where residents of all ages and abilities can connect and thrive. Governor Hochul's commitment to the Pro-Housing Communities Program ensures that as we grow our housing opportunities, we are also investing in the essential public spaces that make New York's neighborhoods wonderful places to call home."

"The transformation of Marcus Park is a proud moment for the City of Olean," said City of Olean Mayor Amy B. Sherburne. "By opening the region's first all-inclusive playground, we are ensuring that every person, regardless of ability, has a place to play, grow and feel welcome. This project is a testament to what we can achieve through strategic state partnerships and local philanthropy, and I look forward to seeing our community enjoy these beautiful new facilities for years to come."

The hallmark of this renovation is the all-inclusive playground, a specialized recreational area where children of all physical and developmental abilities can play together. Beyond the playground, the 3.59-acre park now offers:

• Revitalized Athletic Space: Upgraded ball fields and expansive green areas for community sports.
• New Infrastructure: Modern restroom facilities, paved accessible pathways, and improved lighting for safety and comfort.
• A Premier Dog Park: A safe, fenced environment for local pets and their owners.

This project represents a significant investment in Olean's future, made possible through a strategic blend of state grants and local philanthropy. The City of Olean partnered with INtandem, which contributed more than $1 million to cover the inclusive playground expenses and donated the land that connects the park to a recreation trail that runs through the city. The broader park improvements were funded by a $752,675 grant from Empire State Development's Capital Improvement Grants for Pro-Housing Communities Program awarded 5 through the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council; a $500,000 grant from New York State Parks; and $23,803.51 grant from the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation.

INtandem President and CEO Mari Howard said, "The opening of the all-inclusive playground and revitalized community park marks the realization of a vision that has been five years in the making - a vision built on unwavering commitment, strong partnerships, and a deep dedication to our community. This all-inclusive playground sponsored by the INtandem Foundation stands as a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when agencies, municipalities and neighborhoods come together with a shared purpose. Because of that collective effort, this is more than just a park-it is a place where individuals of all abilities can play, connect and belong. Together, we have turned a dream into a lasting reality for our community."

New York State Parks Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser said, "New York State Parks is proud to support this thoughtful project through the Environmental Protection Fund. The project aligns closely with Governor Hochul's initiatives encouraging children and families to get offline and get outside. It is especially rewarding to see this investment create new opportunities for affordable recreation and community wellness, promote inclusion and accessibility for visitors of all abilities, and strengthen connections to the River Trail and alternative transportation routes serving the broader community."

The story of Marcus Park began nearly a century ago. In the 1930s, H.W. Marcus donated the initial land to the city, a legacy expanded in 1950 by his son, Ben Marcus. For decades, the park was a staple for neighborhood athletics and the gathering of neighborhood kids. Today's reopening honors that history by preserving its spirit while introducing state-of-the-art infrastructure that meets the needs of a modern, diverse population.

The Capital Improvement Grants for Pro-Housing Communities Program provides funding to support capital improvement and placemaking projects located within pro-housing certified communities. Capital improvement grants for projects within pro-housing communities are intended to foster economic development by being a catalyst to the increase in availability and access to housing. The focus of the program is to incentivize capital investments within pro-housing communities to support infrastructure improvements, blight removal, and placemaking investments to create thriving and sustainable communities.

The City of Olean joined the Pro-Housing Communities Program in May 2024, a prerequisite for applying for the aid. The city applied for the funding in July 2024 using the Consolidated Funding Application under Round XIV of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative.

WNYREDC Co-Chairs, Campus Labs Co-Founder Eric Reich and Canisius University President Steve Stoute, said, "The revitalized Marcus Park is an exceptional example of how strategic regional investment can breathe new life into a neighborhood. By transforming this space into a premier, all-inclusive destination, we are ensuring that Olean remains an attractive place for families to live, work, and play. The Regional Council is proud to support projects like this that foster community pride and provide accessible recreational opportunities."

About Empire State Development
ESD is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through ILOVENY. For more information, please visit ESD's website here, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.

Contact:

Pamm Lent (ESD) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (800) 260-7313
Laura Magee (ESD) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313