The first day of summer is approaching, and outdoor temperatures are rising. Lake George, as part of the Capital District, is entering Phase 3 of the New York State reopening plan. Things are beginning to lean more towards normal. To keep residents and visitors safe and prevent outbreaks that could move the region backward, state, Town of Lake George, and Village of Lake George officials are reopening Lake George public beaches with caution.
The State-owned Lake George Beach, locally called Million Dollar Beach, will begin daily operations Friday, June 19. To allow for social distancing, current restrictions limit beach capacity to 500 people and parking to 150 vehicles. The state has fenced off the adjoining Dog Beach to facilitate crowd control. Access to this strip of land on Beach Road will remain restricted for the foreseeable future.
According to a Town of Lake George social media post, Usher Park Beach will remain closed. The park pavilions will be open but without picnic tables. The town suggests that park visitors bring their own chairs. Also, the Usher Park restrooms will not be open. Diamond Point Beach, also owned by the town, may open July 1. Check the Town of Lake George Facebook page for updates.
Related: Keep cool at Lake George public beaches
The Village of Lake George plans to open Shepard Park Beach on Friday, June 26 with restrictions to meet social distancing requirements. The Village of Lake George has also decided to cancel the Independence Day Fireworks planned for July 4.
Bolton Landing public beaches will be open daily beginning Thursday, June 18. The town will be following state-mandated COVID-19 regulations and operating the beaches at reduced capacity to comply with social distancing requirements. Masks are required when a six-foot distance cannot be maintained. Household groups must distance their beach blankets and chairs at least 10 feet from other groups. The picnic areas, playgrounds and pavilions will remain closed. Public docks will be open. Visit the Bolton Landing website for more information.
Why would Usher park Beach be closed when all other beaches are open
This was decided at the June 15 Town of Lake George Town Board Special Meeting. You can access the minutes here: https://lakegeorgetown.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/06-15-2020-Town-Board-Special-Meeting-Minutes.pdf