By Kate Bartlett
Ellicottville has been in need of an all-inclusive playground for quite some time. The current main playground, located in the fields between the Library and Nannen Arboretum, is a great space, but lacking handicapped accessibility and generally needing updates. Four local moms have recognized this issue and have banned together to initiate a playground for all in the village.
Molly Timkey, Tiffany Frentz, Patti Snyder and Kate Johnson-Clark are the four local moms taking on this project. “While we love the Ellicottville playground, we recognize the need for it to be updated and modernized. We are very fortunate for this space, but we would love for it to be all-inclusive and handicapped accessible for locals and visitors alike,” says Molly.
four local moms taking on this project (above, left to right). “While we love the
Ellicottville playground, we recognize the need for it to be updated and modernized.
We are very fortunate for this space, but we would love for it to be allinclusive
and handicapped accessible for locals and visitors alike,” says Molly.
All the women have local connections and have joined forces with this common goal. “We have nine children between the 4 of us, with 2 on the way. There’s a great need for this in our community, and our families are proof of that!”
Tiffany knows first had the need for handicap accessibility as her 6-year-old daughter, Lola, is wheelchair bound. “Lola has a rare genetic disorder called Lesch Nyhan Syndrome. Trying to find activities that we can all enjoy together is often difficult,” says Tiffany. “Our current playground is a huge beautiful canvas that needs an overhaul. I envision a playground where Lola can join her peers in a way she’s not typically able. Currently, there are no structures that Lola can use. Our plan is to change that and have multiple different activities for Lola and other children with special needs, so they have a place play and just be kids together.”
“The vision is for the playground to become a destination. The local families are the driving force of our motivation behind the project since they’re the ones who will utilize the space the most. We are just four of the many families living here that would benefit from an improved playground and that’s why we are so excited for this project,” Molly says. “But, that wouldn’t be the only benefit. Ellicottville has done an amazing job of consistently bringing visitors in from all over the country, and many of them have children and own homes here. The playground would serve as an outdoor play and meeting space for the community while also providing Ellicottville with another asset to draw people in. We think it’s a win-win.”
The updated playground would be in the same location as the current. “It’s a great space, located by the library, dog park, sports fields and Nannen Arboretum. It’s conveniently tucked behind the village streets and a great sanctuary of sorts. We’re hoping to capitalize on the momentum created by the new nearby Skatepark by enhancing the space even further.”
The women are in the initial planning phases of the process. They’ve started a Facebook page to help spread awareness in the community. The women have met with Parkitects/Landscape Structures, an experienced company well versed in all-inclusive play spaces. The company has built numerous playgrounds in the Western New York area, including at Chestnut Ridge in Orchard Park, Salamanca and Hamburg. “We are listening to the needs of the community and will incorporate these ideas into the design,” says Molly. “It’s very involved; you’d never imagine all the decisions and considerations to be made for playground equipment!” “We value play for all ages and abilities, and we are inspired to bring modern and versatile equipment to the Ellicottville community to promote physical, social, and cognitive development.”
“It’s a huge undertaking, but the goal is simple – we want everyone to be able to get out and play together.” Follow on social media for updates and watch for upcoming fundraisers. “We have a lot of great ideas for upcoming events, and we’re very excited to be building community support. It’s very encouraging the amount of support we’ve already received, and we’re grateful for that. Please watch our social media posts for upcoming events and ways to get involved. We want the community to be as excited as we are about this project.”