ERIC VOORHIS
News Staff Writer
LAKE PLACID — Wooden structures and fresh cut logs are being assembled into a playground behind the Lake Placid Elementary School. Paw Print Park — a local grassroots effort — is in construction mode.
According to volunteer Jackie Gilmore, construction began on Thursday, Aug. 26, with several projects in the works including “bear climbs, red fox run balance beams, snow shoe hare stepping stumps, otter totters and a large beaver house” — all made from natural features and materials.
“We’re excited because some of these things will be ready for kids to use as early as the fall,” Gilmore said.
Because Paw Print Park was designed to be built in sections — based on the availability of funds — the old playground still stands and won’t be taken down until the spring, Gilmore said. She added that the project has seen tremendous support throughout the community from Mayor Craig Randall, the village board, local businesses, residents, administrators, parents, teachers and students.
Recently Pat Ledger, of RP Ledger Construction, Inc., volunteered his management skills and experience to Paw Print Park and will donate his time as the construction project manager, according to Gilmore.
She said the Lake Placid FRIENDS Playground Initiative, the organization responsible for Paw Print Park, has also received tremendous support after sending out a community-wide appeal letter that was sent out in June.
“The residents are making a strong showing of support which bodes well for how the project will end up,” said elementary school principal Rick Retrosi. “If we continue to work hard to raise money in creative ways, I think we’ll be very successful.”
The school district is not supplying any funding for the project, making its success entirely reliant on grants, private donations and volunteer efforts.
“We’re thrilled with the support we’ve seen,” Gilmore said. “We want the community to know that their money is going to good use.”