By Jonah Mann
The winds of positive change are blowing through Ellicottville Village Park, carrying with them the promise of laughter, connection, and joyful play for all children. What was once a traditional playground is now on the cusp of a vibrant transformation into an inclusive play space, thoughtfully designed to remove barriers and create an environment where kids of all abilities can learn, grow, and have fun side-by-side.
This initiative, spearheaded by a passionate group of local mothers, has captured the hearts of the Ellicottville community and beyond. With a resounding positive reception, the people of Ellicottville have embraced this lofty goal and rallied together to create a year of successful fundraising events to benefit the heart of our community, the Village Park. The past year has been an extraordinary journey of community spirit and unwavering dedication all focused on bringing the vision of an inclusive playground to life. From the first Rummage Sale at the Nannen Arboretum in spring 2024 to the Rock City Fitness Class Weekend this past spring, the journey has been paved with countless acts of generosity.
Support has been both regional with Give 716 Day and Cattaraugus Gives Day, as well as local with Ellicottville businesses stepping up to back this important cause.
Last summer brought a swing on the green, as the Bigfoot Park hosted a golf tournament that proudly designated the inclusive playground as its beneficiary. Golfers teed off with the knowledge that their participation would directly contribute to creating an accessible and engaging environment for Ellicottville’s youngest residents. The thrill of friendly competition took center stage with the first annual Pinewood Derby organized by Pat Morgan hosted at Madigans. Participants of all ages poured their creativity and engineering skills into crafting miniature race cars, and the cheers echoing from the track were amplified by the knowledge that the proceeds from this beloved event would directly benefit the playground.
The Autumn leaves brought the vibrant Fall Fest, orchestrated by the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, also embraced the cause. A dedicated booth featured an enticing raffle, allowing festival-goers to contribute to the playground while enjoying the autumn festivities. This partnership highlighted the community-wide commitment to the project, weaving it into the fabric of local traditions. November saw the community lace up their running shoes for the Warrior Fitness Turkey Trot. Participants braved the crisp autumn air, knowing that their strides were contributing to a vital community asset. The energy and enthusiasm of the runners mirrored the growing excitement for the playground’s completion.
As winter settled in, the community found unique ways to support the project. Buffalo Bills Game Day Sundays hosted by Villaggio saw enthusiastic participation in raffles and 50/50 draws sponsored by Villaggio. Eight separate Sundays turned game-day excitement into tangible progress for the playground. Passion for the local team translated into collective support for a shared community goal. The end of ski season brought the adrenaline-pumping Boardroom Banked organized by The Boardroom Snowboard Shop and hosted at Holiday Valley. This snowboard banked slalom race, drawing talented local athletes, proudly designated the inclusive playground as its beneficiary. With EBC generously sponsoring refreshments, the event showcased athletic prowess while fostering a strong sense of community support for inclusivity on the slopes and beyond.
Looking back on the past year, the journey of funding the inclusive playground in Ellicottville Village Park has been a testament to the power of community collaboration fueled by the generosity and enthusiasm of residents and local organizations. The diverse and creative fundraising efforts, with only a subset mentioned here, have laid a strong foundation for a space where children of all abilities can play, learn, and grow together for years to come. The future park opening will not just be the culmination of a construction project, but a celebration of a community that truly believes in inclusivity and the power of play for everyone.
To donate directly, visit https://unlimitedplay.org/inclusive-playgrounds/inclusive-playground-examples/ellicottville-new-york-playground. There should be a “DONATE TO THIS PLAYGROUND” button or a similar option to make an online contribution.