The loss of the Shepard Park Amphitheatre to an electrical fire this past June threatened to shut down a full schedule of summer performances before they began. However, quick action by town officials had the popular entertainment venue up and running within a few days. Shows continued on a temporary stage. A committee of Village officials, show producers and other stakeholders began the task of planning a permanent stage.
Earlier this summer, Lake George Village Mayor Ray Perry said that rebuilding would be an opportunity to improve on the previous structure. He envisions an open-air bandstand that allows a fuller view of the lake and has windows to block weather in the winter to provide a warm space for Lake George Winter Carnival activities.
In a December 2024 press statement, Town and Village Planning and Zoning Director Dan Barusch says that site surveys have been conducted and geotechnical and archaeological studies are now underway. The project’s schematic design phase, which offers a vision of the new amphitheatre, seating, playground and other improvements, is complete.
The Village will be seeking community input on the design at a January 2025 public workshop. “We encourage all community members to join us and share their insights and ideas. Your participation is vital to ensuring the amphitheater reflects the spirit and aspirations of Lake George,” Barusch says. The time, date and location for the workshop will be announced following the holiday break.
Project planners anticipate that design and engineering work will be completed by early spring 2025, allowing the Village to bid out the project for a fall 2025 construction start with the project completed for spring 2026. The Village is requesting $1.5 million from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative to partially fund the rebuilding project.
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