Courtesy AJA Architecture Planning
By LEE COLEMAN
The design for the new Shepard park amphitheater and bandstand has received positive reviews since the plans were unveiled by AJA Architecture and Lake George officials in late January.
“We are endorsing the design, we love it. It will increase attendance and becomes its own art piece,” said Tanya Tobias-Tomis, director of Lake George Arts Project.
The former pavilion was destroyed by an early morning fire last June, just before the summer season of events were to begin. A temporary bandstand was erected and the summer season was saved.
“With an acoustic-centered design, improved sight lines to both the stage and the lake, and safer, more accessible seating, audiences will enjoy a world-class experience like never before,” Tobias-Tomis said.
“Artists will benefit from high-quality sound and lighting, green room facilities and much-needed storage, while key safety upgrades, including lighting improvements in the park, ADA compliant walkways, and wi-fi improvements will enhance the overall experience for all who are visiting the park,” she said.
The Lake George Arts Project books most of the events held in Shepard Park.
The design was unveiled at a public workshop Jan. 30 at the Carriage House at Fort William Henry. More that 100 attended the event.
Lake George Village Mayor Ray Perry said he has heard almost unanimous approval from residents and the arts community. “A good portion of the people said (the design) answered all their concerns,” Perry said. The project sponsors continue to seek input on the design, that also includes a new, larger playground for children with new, age-appropriate equipment.
AJA Architecture and Planning of Glens Falls presented the design. Andrew Allison, AJA principal, said one of the exciting aspects of the project is how its “going to be perceived when you are looking at it from a boat.”
“You’re positioned for the first time, probably forever, to do something really special here,” Allison said.
Mayor Perry said the $4.4 million for the project will come from grants and outside funding. Some of the money will come from the state’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant awarded to the village and town of Lake George in 2024. Some of this money had already been earmarked for Shepard Park before the fire, he said.
The two major features of the new amphitheater are an emphasis on lake views and sound quality, according to the architects. The amphitheater will have a narrow roof line and glass back wall that can be opened. The other key feature is a new, full basement that opens to the lake shore walkway. It will include two green rooms, common space and bathrooms for performers as well as storage space for large instruments and other equipment complete with a lift to bring them to the main stage, things performers have asked for.
Mayor Perry said the final design is still being discussed. For example, design of the basement layout is still under discussion. Perry said those involved in the project want to make this basement “a year round space” with a section that could be used as an art gallery for the Lake George Arts Project and workshops.
Perry said there is almost 2,000 square feet in the basement in two sections.
AJA Architecture’s Allison said would like to get construction documents done by the end of April, get all the funding in place “somewhere in the April-May-June time frame” with bidding of the project in June and July.
“We want to award construction sometime this summer so that whoever gets this project as a contractor can start buying all the materials to have them ready to go, so that when the end of performance season comes this year, we can start construction right away,” Allison said in a prepared statement.
Mayor Perry said the performance season ends with Jazz at the Lake, Sept. 12, 13 and 14. Construction start date is Sept. 15.
This timeline would put the project in “a good position to be open and ready for the 2026 summer season,” Allison said.
Mayor Perry said the project will feature a significantly larger stage, steel girder supports for hanging sound and lighting equipment and a new sound and production booth. He said the project is basically “a full overhaul of Shepard Park.”
“With its state-of-the-art design and numerous amenities, the new bandstand and park improvements will open a world of possibilities for performances and events,” said Tobias-Tomis.
“The bandstand design, along with planned enhancements in accessibility, safety, lighting and acoustics, will elevate Shepard Park as a premier performance destination in the Northeast. Not only does Shepard Park boast one of the most stunning backdrops in the world, but it will also be one of the rare places where access to a world-class facility is completely free,” she said.