After about a year of planning, collaboration and countless volunteer hours, the town celebrated the completion of the new community playground Saturday afternoon with an official ribbon cutting. Built by volunteers from the community over the three day building period, town officials noted that the playground project was built not only for children but for the entire Clymer community. The project also included the building and installation of a new town park sign, benches, and picnic tables.

“This project is about much more than playground equipment,” the Clymer Town Board said. “It is a reflection of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose. We are grateful to every organization, business, volunteer, and resident who helped make this vision a reality.”

Partnerships that made the playground project possible include a partnership between the town, KABOOM!, the Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, and local businesses, organizations, and volunteers. Together, all of the groups involved came with a common goal to create a place where children and families can gather, play, and make memories for years to come. Currently fencing and caution tape remain on the playground, and according to the Clymer Town Clerk’s Facebook page no one will be allowed on the playground until that all comes down on Tuesday.

The town board recognized councilman Todd Kolstee, who has spearheaded the project from the earliest stages. Since July 2025, Kolstee worked tirelessly with KABOOM!, project partners, town staff, volunteers, and contractors to coordinate every phase of the project. The board said that his leadership, dedication, and persistence over the past year were instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

The new playground was made possible through a partnership between the Clymer Town Board, KABOOM! and the Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation, along with the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. P-J photo by Sara Holthouse

The town also recognized Town Clerk Wendy Trisket, who helped to keep the project moving forward throughout the planning process with organization, communication and coordination. Thanks was also given to Highway Superintendent Scott Trisket and other members of the highway department, Steven Enlow, Kevin Damcott, and Michael TeCulver, who gave their time to the playground with extensive site preparation, equipment operation and behind-the-scenes work, helping to create the foundation that allowed the community build to be successful.

The full list of partners for the project, including foundations, community and local businesses and construction partners include; KABOOM!, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, The Dutch Village Restaurant, Neckers Company General Store, Jamestown Macadam, Clymer Central School along with Superintendent Beth Olson who helped to host the Design Day, Eastern States Metal Roofing, Clymer Hardware and Home Center, Lictus Oil and Propane, Jacob Rockwell and Bicki Rudd from KABOOM!, Dave Mason and Lucas Pruch from Parkitects, Ground Breaking Solutions, and New Ground Builders.

The town also recognized the many volunteers who came to help work behind the scenes to bring the playground project to fruition, including Sonya Shampoe, Kathy Crowell, Julie King, Valerie Beckerink, Cindy Willink, Jeanne Humes, and Claudia Bemis, who coordinated volunteers, organized meals, welcomed participants, and kept the project running smoothly throughout the build. Additionally, the town thanked those who donated tools, equipment, meals, supplies, and other resources, including Bill and Jeff Rice, Jeff Bemis, Sue Querreveld, SHAC at Clymer Central School, and the many additional businesses and community members.

While the building days took place last weekend, other aspects of the work have been happening throughout the past year, including a design day for Clymer children, giving them the option to be in charge of what the final design looked like.

“One of the most unique aspects of the project began long before construction started,” the town board said. “During a Design Day at Clymer Central School, local students worked alongside KABOOM! to imagine what they wanted their playground to become. Their ideas helped shape the final design, ensuring the finished playground reflects the creativity and spirit of the children who will enjoy it.”

The new playground in the town of Clymer’s town park was officially installed over the weekend, though fencing and caution tape remain up with no one allowed on it until Tuesday. P-J photo by Sara Holthouse

The town board expressed their gratitude to everyone who helped come support the playground project over the time period, including the many organizations and businesses, and every volunteer who contributed their time. The board noted that whether it was three full days on the build site, or simply stopping by to lend a hand, every contribution mattered.

“This playground stands as a lasting reminder of what can be accomplished when neighbors work together for the benefit of future generations,” the town board said. “The new playground is more than a place to play. It is a symbol of community pride, partnership, and a shared investment in Clymer’s future. The Town Board looks forward to seeing generations of children enjoy the space for many years to come.”

Part of the overall playground project also included the creation and installation of a new Town Park sign. P-J photo by Sara Holthouse