Kayla Sullivan poses with her dog, Millie, for a photo. Sullivan has resigned after 14 years with the Fredonia Recreation Department.

Fredonia Recreation Director Kayla Sullivan has resigned, but went out with a highly successful 2025 summer playground program.

“She states that this was a truly fantastic summer,” said Trustee Michelle Twichell, reading a report from Sullivan. “We are very fortunate to have amazing youths and families in this community. I thank each of you for allowing this program to continue,” Sullivan wrote.

“This summer had our highest attendance yet. Each playground had at least 10 kids at each location and Russell Joy Park had attendance of 100-plus kids each day. We had 357 kids registered in total, which encompassed all programs, not just playground attendance. Our drama program was the highest it has ever had, with 32 kids participating in the play this past Tuesday.

“I could not be more proud of our counselors and staff. Summer coordinator Angela Mackowiak and I would like to give a huge shout out to the following:” DPW’s Scott Marsh, Jake Christopher and Josh Siebert; the Fredonia police and fire departments; the counselors and lifeguards; Mr. and Mrs. John Gullo for organizing donations that covered the cost of this year’s program; and the donors.

“I truly thank you all for allowing this program to run this summer,” Sullivan concluded.

The summer rec program was in peril due to the village’s poor financial situation. Trustees talked about cutting it each of the last two years, keeping it without fees in 2024 but imposing them this year. The Gullos’ effort covered the fees — and the community evidently responded in a big way.

“I just have to add that I’m very sad to see her leave,” Twichell commented about Sullivan. “She did an extraordinary job the past two years, a fabulous job.”

Mayor Michael Ferguson said, “I think the entire village congratulates her. She is a Fredonia teacher, so she doesn’t get very many summers off. It’s about time she wanted to take one for herself.”

Sullivan offered some more thoughts in a farewell post on a Fredonia Recreation Department social media page.

She thanked her playground staff, Mackowiak, lifeguards, drama instructors and the Gullos for their help this summer. “This decision was not made lightly,” she said of her resignation.

“I have worked within this department for the past 14 years, and it has been a privilege to serve this community. Some of my favorite memories have come not only from working in the Summer Recreation Program, but also from attending it as a child. It has been a full-circle experience that I will always treasure,” Sullivan wrote.

“Thank you for the support, kindness, and trust you have shown me over the years. It has been an honor to be part of something so meaningful. I will carry these memories and experiences with me always.”