By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
OLEAN — The city’s Marcus Park is about to get a $2 million makeover.
The project at the underused 3.5-acre site at the corner of North 15th and West Sullivan streets includes new ADA compliant restrooms, picnic area with tables, grills and a new shelter, an inclusive playground, youth ball field, fenced dog park and a shared use path to connect with the Allegheny River Valley Trail.
And thanks to state grants totaling more than $1.2 million and a $600,000 commitment from Intandem, the City of Olean’s share is just short of $206,000.
Mayor Bill Aiello reported in his State of the City address last month that after Alderman Vernon Robinson presented a vision for Marcus Park to the Council, “We took that vision to Mari Howard, the CEO of InTandem, to form a partnership.”
The Marcus Park project first received a $500,000 grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation last year. In December, the Western New York Council of Economic Development announced another $750,000 grant.
Later this month, the city and Intandem will meet with representatives from Molly Vendura Landscaping of Orchard Park to discuss the project, according to Keri Kerper, director of the Community Development Office.
The project will include trees for shade in the picnic area and fenced dog park measuring 200 feet by 106 feet.
“We’re really fortunate,” Kerper said. “This is the first playground of its kind in the county with all inclusive equipment. It’s a really well thought out design. This will make a real difference in the heart of the neighborhood.”
The underutilized public space space at Marcus Field was last used for an adult softball league. It will be repurposed as a youth softball field.
Aiello said the Marcus Field project is expected to be completed this summer. It is part of the city’s plan to upgrade its parks that is already underway.
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All Rights Reserved. Star News LLC. Eric M. Firkel.
