OLEAN — A historic corner of the city is about to become its most inclusive destination.
Olean Mayor Amy B. Sherburne invited city residents to the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the revitalized Marcus Park at 2 p.m. on May 15.
Located at West Sullivan Street between North 13th and North 15th streets, the park has undergone a complete $2.1 million reconstruction designed to serve every member of the community.
The new recreation hub will include an all-inclusive playground, modernized facilities and a dog park.
From its 1930s roots to the 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,” Sherburne said in a statement. “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 mayor said.
The broader park improvements were funded by Empire State Development’s Capital Improvement Grants for Pro-Housing Communities, the Environmental Protection Fund through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, the City of Olean and the InTandem Foundation.
Sherburne said 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, Sherburne said.
