Project was Made Possible by an Award from Governor Hochul’s Regional Council Initiative
See Project Map Here
Empire State Development (ESD) and the City of Olean broke ground today on renovations for Marcus Park, an underutilized city-owned public park located at North 15th and Sullivan streets. The more than $2 million project will support improvements to help stimulate community development and neighborhood growth through placemaking projects and redevelopment of blighted structures.
“Today’s groundbreaking means Olean will soon have a vibrant new park to help revitalize a neighborhood and attract new residents,” said ESD President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. “Governor Hochul is a strong advocate for parks because they provide families and visitors a getaway that is affordable, relaxing, and nearby when they need it most. This is just the type of project the Regional Council envisioned supporting and I am proud we can help create a place that everyone can enjoy.”
When completed in the Fall of 2025, the 3.59-acre park project will transform the underused land into a vibrant space that includes new ADA compliant restrooms, picnic area with tables, grills, a new shelter, an inclusive playground, youth ball field, fenced dog park, lighting, security cameras, utilities, and a shared use path to connect with the Allegheny River Valley Trail. The project will also feature beautiful new landscaping that will include trees for shade.
City of Olean Mayor William J. Aiello said, “Marcus Park is located in a wonderful neighborhood, full of families and children. Flanked by Washington West Elementary School and Intandem facilities, it is the perfect place for a full-service park featuring the first inclusive playground in Cattaraugus County. I am very appreciative of the funding that the City received from Empire State Development and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, as well as from the Olean Region Community Foundation. I would also like to thank Intandem and the Intandem Foundation for collaborating with the City to provide all children in our community with a safe and inviting playground.”
Empire State Development’s Capital Improvement Grants for Pro-Housing Communities Program awarded $752,675 through the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council to the Marcus Park project in addition to a $500,000 grant from New York State and $23,803.51 from the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation. The City of Olean is partnering with the nonprofit Intandem, which is contributing $600,000 to cover the inclusive playground expenses.
New York State Parks Commissioner Randy Simons said, “New York State Parks welcomes Marcus Park to the park family! In these times, places to unplug and play both mentally and physically are more important than ever. Thank you to Governor Hochul and the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council for investing in this very important park and I am pleased that New York State Parks can partner on making this a reality.”
Mari L. Howard, President and CEO of Intandem said, “Every child deserves to play alongside their friends, whatever their abilities. This playground ensures everyone gets a seat at the sandbox, swing, and slide.”
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 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 College President Steve Stoute, said, “The redevelopment of the Marcus Park is turning an eyesore into a beautiful place for the members of the community to enjoy the outdoors. Parks are meant to be beautiful and safe, and when the Marcus Park project is completed, it will have transformed from a blighted site to an active play and relaxation space that will give residents a new reason to promote and be proud of the City of Olean.”
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 | [email protected]| (716) 560-8815 | (800) 260-7313
Laura Magee | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313