OSI’s overall goal for the project is $1.25 million. The project aims to construct a picnic pavilion, year-round restroom facilities, secure parking and a welcoming, park-like entrance.

They are currently seeking an additional $249,000 in private funding to complete the buildout. To move the project forward, a $500,000 Environmental Protection Fund grant was secured from the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

OSI raised additional support from private donors. Those include the Lake Placid Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism’s Local Enhancement and Advancement Fund, Stewart’s Shops/Dake Family, the Boquet Foundation, the Cloudsplitter Foundation, John and Margot Ernst, Henry Uihlein II & Mildred A. Uihlein Foundation Trust and others.

The project bidding will not likely begin until the full goal has been met, according to Katie Jilek, communications manager for OSI. She added that once OSI is ready to move forward with the project, it could be completed in under one year.

“Ideally bidding would take place over the winter months for a spring start of construction with expected completion by the end of summer,” she wrote on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

OSI’s vision for the Lake Placid Trailhead extends beyond infrastructure. Working in close collaboration with the village of Lake Placid, OSI sees the trailhead becoming a vibrant hub for adventurers exploring the Adirondacks.

It will offer expanded access and better dispersing visitors throughout this popular area. This project will enhance visitor access while supporting the state’s goal of creating interconnected trail systems.

“Thanks to the generous support of our partners and donors, we’ve made significant strides toward realizing the Lake Placid Trailhead project, but we are not done yet,” said Erik Kulleseid, who serves as OSI’s president and CEO.

“This is a true community effort, and every contribution moves us closer to creating a transformative space that will benefit residents, visitors, and the surrounding environment for generations to come,” he said. “We are deeply grateful for the support we’ve received, and we are calling on the community to help us finish what we’ve started.”

“Together, we can ensure that the Lake Placid Trailhead becomes a lasting community asset that enhances the Adirondack Rail Trail experience and strengthens our shared commitment to stewardship and sustainability.”

Village leadership praised the fundraising development and discussed the trailhead’s importance.

“After an incredibly successful season, we’re thrilled to see how the Adirondack Rail Trail has brought our community together, promoting health, outdoor recreation, and a stronger local economy,” said village Mayor Art Devlin. “This Rail Trail hub is a critical addition that will make this trail even more accessible, allowing more residents and visitors to experience the beauty of the Adirondacks.”

“The Village of Lake Placid is proud to support this project and looks forward to seeing the positive impact it will continue to bring to our community,” he added.

The Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile multi-purpose trail that extends from Lake Placid on its eastern end to Tupper Lake on its western end. Most of the route, which comprises 25 miles, is open. The westernmost section — from Floodwood Road to Tupper Lake — is still under construction. It is expected to open by fall 2025.

Following an old railroad track, the path — whose surface is a fine gravel stone — has a gentle grade and is popular for walking and bicycling. Snowmobiling is allowed in the winter, with no motorized vehicle use otherwise allowed. More information on the Adirondack Rail Trail can be found at tinyurl.com/yfu9f9fc.

The Environmental Protection Fund has aided smart growth initiatives across New York since 2007. It is overseen by the state Department of Environmental Conservation and focuses on capital projects and community development in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. These efforts emphasize environmental protection, economic development, and community livability, enhancing New York’s network of land trusts and public access to open spaces.

More information on the Lake Placid Trailhead project can be found at tinyurl.com/98tnhe8v. The complete gallery of renderings can be found at tinyurl.com/mujcux99.

About the Open Space Institute

The Open Space Institute is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. and Canada.

OSI’s land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats climate change while curbing its devastating effects.