OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen New playground equipment is set to be installed at Ryckman Park in Brocton by July 4.

BROCTON — At a recent meeting, Mayor Craig Miller was happy to report news that many in the village have been waiting for: Ryckman Park will have its new playground equipment operational by July 4. Miller reported the equipment is set to ship later this week.

“That’s the best news I’ve had all day,” Trustee Drew Ransom responded.

The news was welcomed by the Village Board, which has been seeking a resolution on the matter for several months. A winter storm earlier this year damaged the village at many locations, with heavy winds that downed many trees. One of those trees crashed on the playground equipment at Ryckman Park and caused approximately $45,000 worth of damage.

Miller then led the efforts in replacing the damaged equipment. He contacted several vendors and evaluated the options the Village had with its limited reimbursement from the insurance company, totaling just over $20,000 in response to the damage. Throughout his efforts, Miller joked, “I learned a lot about playgrounds.”

After months of evaluating its options, the Village Board approved the purchase of equipment from Jeffrey Associates, a playground equipment company based in Pennsylvania, of just over $35,000 at a previous meeting. The Board applied insurance reimbursement from the damaged equipment in the amount of $20,819, with an additional payment of $14,809 in available American Rescue Plan Act funding.

The new equipment will be provided under a state contract, which bypassed the need for the Village Board to obtain bids for the equipment. The Village did receive a quote from another company that was much higher than what was approved by the Board. Village Clerk Scott Jagoda called the approved purchase “considerably lower” than what the other option was.

While the discussions of Miller and the Village Board were progressing, residents of Brocton and Portland joined the cause to create the Ryckman Park Revitalization Committee. Led by co-chairs Nicole Young and Emily Pokoj, the Committee has raised more than $1,000 through several fundraisers to make improvements at Ryckman Park. Miller directed the committee to focus on long-term upgrades while the Village took the lead on the playground.

The Ryckman Park Revitalization Committee has met each month, with 8-10 members focusing on potential improvements to the park. Sound equipment, a play fort, and an adaptive swing are among the ideas that have been discussed. The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation will assist with the finances of the Committee. The Ahira Hall Memorial Library will be partnering with the Committee to sell raffle tickets this summer to benefit both organizations.

Also of note in the Village, upon the recommendation of Youth Recreation Director Maleah Vazquez, Trustee Drew Ransom and Trustee Kari Doino, the following Summer Recreation staff members were recommended to be hired: EmmaLee Abbey, Connor Huels, Nathan Laurito, Michael Garcia, Haleigh Furman, and Keyonna Kent. The Board unanimously approved the hirings.

The Village also authorized the transfer of funds received from the Chautauqua County Emergency Medical Services to the New York Class account to generate interest. The Brocton Volunteer Fire Department responded to 38 calls during the month of May.

The Village also reported five new building permits for the month of May, with nearly 30 complaints logged during the month.