As many of you may know, early in the morning on June 30, 2024, there was an electrical fire at the Shepard Park bandstand. Nobody was hurt, but the bandstand was destroyed. Village Mayor Ray Perry quickly jumped into action, and Ellsworth Excavating was able to finish the demolition and clear the area within 48 hours. Immediately after, a team (including The Arts Project) worked tirelessly to make sure the summer season in Shepard Park went on as planned. Only 1 concert out of nearly 100 had to be cancelled last year which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Mayor Perry.

Within three weeks of the fire, a committee of municipal leaders, presenters, technical engineers, artists, and community members was formed.  Meeting weekly or bi-weekly since then, the committee was tasked with helping inform the design of a new amphitheater and asked to provide diverse perspectives, speak to their experience using the space, and provide a range of voices in conversations centered around design, functionality, and accessibility.

After months of hard work, on January 30, 2024, the Village of Lake George and AJA Architecture unveiled the new design plan for the Shepard Park to a crowd of over 100 residents. The proposed design features a transparent rear wall, allowing for unobstructed views of Lake George, and incorporates enhanced safety and accessibility features. The design also includes a new playground and other improvements to Shepard Park (see below for a complete list of features). Following the unveiling, the community was invited to provide feedback to ensure the new amphitheater meets the needs and desires of Lake George residents.

As of February 2025, the project is moving forward with the design and engineering phases, with construction anticipated to begin in the fall of 2025 and completion expected by spring 2026.

“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. 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” – Tanya, the Lake George Arts Project