By Kate Bartlett
Mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday March 9-10 for a village garage sale to benefit the all-inclusive Ellicottville Playground. Donations will be collected at the Ellicottville Town Center (next to arboretum, near the Fire Hall) from March 4-8. The sale will run 8am-4pm both days, with all funds going directly towards playground efforts.
Ellicottville has been in need of an all-inclusive playground for quite some time. Five local moms, Molly Timkey, Tiffany Frentz, Patti Snyder, Kate Johnson-Clark, and Kelsey Adamson (not pictured), have recognized this issue and have banned together to initiate a playground for all in the village. “We have 13 children between the 5 of us. There’s a great need for this in our community, and our families are proof of that!”
Tiffany knows first-hand the need for handicap accessibility as her 6-year-old daughter, Lola, is wheelchair bound. “Our current playground is a huge beautiful canvas that needs an overhaul. Our plan is to have multiple different activities for Lola and other children with special needs, so they have a place to play and just be kids together.”
The playground will replace the outdated equipment with an all-inclusive concept to best meet the needs of the community. “Our goal is to be a destination for locals and visitors alike. We have such a great town, and we want to provide a space for everyone to enjoy the four-seasons here. The space is an ideal location; close to the parks and library and walking distance for many locals and Air B&Bs in the village.”
“It’s a great opportunity to do some spring cleaning and benefit a good cause,” says Molly. The group is in need of gently used toys, appliances, household items, clothes, outdoor sporting equipment and more. “We’re hoping for a great variety of items and invite everyone to come out and find a treasure! It’s a great chance to get a start on Spring and Easter shopping.”
The Ellicottville Playground group is still in the planning phase, working with a playground company and hoping to finalize drawings soon. “Our ultimate goal is to open for summer 2025, and with the help of the community, we know we can reach that target.” The team is in the process of researching and
applying for grants in order to best utilize funds, and ultimately meet the needs of the community.
This garage sale is the first of many fundraisers to be held for the playground, with a summer golf tournament in the near future. “We’re so grateful for the community support we’ve received thus far, and hope to continue to gain momentum as things progress,” says Molly.
Anyone interested in getting involved with playground efforts should contact by email ellicottvilleplayground@gmail.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram for updates on upcoming announcements and events.