Pictured are Brocton’s fifth-grade students holding the ribbon during the ceremony to open the new Brocton Elementary School playground.

On Monday, Brocton Elementary School proudly held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open its brand-new playground. Students, staff, families, Board of Education members, and community supporters gathered to celebrate this exciting milestone.

This playground, one of the largest in Western New York, represents a tremendous undertaking by the school and the community. Funded and supported through the dedication of families, staff, and community partners, the project highlights the power of working together to create something lasting for students.

Principal Molly Dehlinger shared with staff, “It is important for our students to understand that this playground is a gift from their community. It was built for them, and we hope they develop appreciation and gratitude for the support that made it possible.”

At the ceremony, Brocton’s fifth-grade students held the ribbon, symbolically “handing off” the playground to their younger peers who will enjoy it for years to come, while Board Members Robert Mead-Colegrove and Steve Smith, helped cut the ribbon.

The celebration also emphasized the importance of creating joyful moments at school, reminding everyone that learning and community spirit grow even stronger when we take time to celebrate — together.

Following the ribbon cutting, students had their first opportunity to play on the new equipment, and the celebration concluded with an ice cream social thanks to a generous donation from Wells Enterprises Inc., which is located in Dunkirk.