Lake George Beach Facility

What was the Challenge?

This project held many challenging goals, among them: improving water quality in Lake George; incorporating and promoting green infrastructure practices; increasing pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorist safety; reducing the spread of waterborne invasive species; and improving beachgoer and recreational boater access. The project also sought to improve traffic management and circulation, reduce motorist and pedestrian conflict points, reduce motor vehicle speeds, update for ADA compliance, and promote alternate modes of transportation. Adding to the challenges, the project needed to be designed, permitted, constructed, and open to the public in 14 months with construction in the off-season.

How did Barton & Loguidice provide a solution?

B&L designed 3 acres of heavy-duty, porous asphalt, a bio-retention system in the center of a roundabout, an underground detention and infiltration backup system, vegetated infiltration swales, pre-cast porous concrete, a hydrodynamic separator for non-porous areas, rain gardens, and grassed & vegetated pre-treatment areas. The design team re-configured the entire site circulation and access, eliminated redundant traffic lanes, and designed a single-lane roundabout for traffic calming and stormwater treatment opportunities. The westbound direction of Beach Road was relocated to eliminate motor vehicle and pedestrian conflict points between the parking lot and beach entrance. The parking facility is now fully ADA compliant, with a widened multi-use path, improved LED lighting, water treating landscaping, benches, bike racks, and other amenities.

An invasive species boat washing, and inspection station was included, featuring pre-cast porous concrete and a built-in sand filter system, where boats can be screened and washed of invasive species before coming in and leaving Lake George. The new boat launch was relocated and designed based on lake depth to improve user experience and minimize disturbance to the lake bottom during launching and docking procedures. Seven different water treatment processes were integrated into the facility that also improved transportation and mobility functions. The site is a test bed for a new pothole-proof road design, long-term testing of new durable coatings, and the use of porous pavement systems as a lightweight roadway design.

Why was the project a success?

The project transformed an existing recreational destination into a modern, environmentally responsible, and multi-modal accommodating facility.The project success is due primarily to the leadership of the NYSDEC and their vision and support of innovative construction practices and materials.