Olean Unlocks a New Era of Play, Ribbon Cutting for the Revitalized Marcus Park is May 15th at 2 PM
- May 8
- 2 min read
New All-Inclusive Playground
Amy B. Sherburne, Mayor of the City of Olean, is pleased to announce that the Ribbon Cutting for a Neighborhood Hub Reborn with All-Inclusive Playground, Modernized Facilities and City Dog Park.
A historic corner of the city is about to become its most inclusive destination. Mayor Amy B. Sherburne Mayor of the City of Olean invites the community to celebrate the grand opening and official ribbon-cutting of the revitalized Marcus Park on May 15th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Located at West Sullivan St. between N. 13th and N. 15th Streets, the park has undergone a complete $2.1 million reconstruction designed to serve every member of the community, regardless of age or ability.
From 1930s Roots to 2026 Vision
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 3.5 acre park was a staple for neighborhood athletics and the gathering of the 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 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 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 broader park improvements were funded by:
Empire State Development’s Capital Improvement Grants for Pro-Housing Communities.
The Environmental Protection Fund (EPF# 240540) via the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation.
The City of Olean.
The vision for the all-inclusive playground was brought to life through the unwavering and vital support of InTandem and the InTandem Foundation, their profound dedication to accessibility ensures that Marcus Park truly belongs to everyone.
The City of Olean encourages all residents to attend the ceremony, explore the new amenities, and witness the start of a new chapter for this cherished neighborhood landmark
