Construction has begun on the new performance stage in Shepard Park. Local and state officials gathered at the site Wednesday morning for a ceremonial groundbreaking of the project that will create a performance stage with modern lighting and audio/visual systems. A storage room and a community space will be built on the lower level.
The project will upgrade the seating, provide increased accessibility, and include a new playground and landscaping. The new stage will replace the bandshell that was destroyed by fire in the early morning hours of June 30, 2024.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Village of Lake George Mayor Ray Perry said, “Funny, the day of the fire, I came down in a panic at 5:00 in the morning. While they were still fighting it, smoke and embers were still burning, and I looked out at the lake, and there was a loon, and I had this feeling that everything’s gonna be all right. No one was hurt. This is an opportunity for us, and we’re seizing that opportunity today.”
The project is supported by a portion of the $10 million New York State Downtown Revitalization (DRI) grant awarded to Lake George in December 2023. New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony, stressing the Governor’s commitment to “empowering communities to grow in ways that make them more connected, welcoming, and resilient.”
“[A]s our motto says at the Department of State, opportunity starts here,” Mosley said. “And when I say here, we mean it starts right here, where life happens, where your children play, where you live, where your family shops, where you hang out with friends on the weekend. And yes, even right here in Shepherd Park, where people and families of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are coming together to be surrounded by something inspiring, welcoming, and full of energy.”
The Shepard Park Amphitheater has served as a hub for concerts, theatrical performances and community events since the dedication of the original stage in 1917. The original Greek-inspired stage was replaced in the 1950s and has undergone upgrades and additions over the years.
The June 2024 fire came just as the 2024 summer season was beginning. The community quickly rallied to remove the debris, and the Village erected a temporary stage for the concerts and festivals that filled the summer and fall schedule.
“I want to thank everyone who had rushed to our aid, rushed to assist us in any manner, both sides of the aisle,” said Mayor Perry. “It’s something everyone can get behind, a performance stage. I want to thank the Governor’s Office, Department of State, the Assembly, Warren County, the Town of Lake George — just everyone who has rushed — [and] our committee, who helped design what is going to be the most beautiful stage on the most beautiful lake in the country.”
With construction underway, the park is now fenced off for safety reasons, and events planned for this fall and winter will be moved to other areas of the village. Village officials are asking visitors and residents to remain outside of the fencing and follow all posted signage. Officials expect construction to be completed next spring.
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