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Council approves $40,900 piggyback contract with Catalyst for parks master plan
Summary
Lake Placid authorized a $40,900 piggyback agreement with Catalyst Design Group to develop a master parks and recreation plan using a Spring Lake cooperative agreement, prompting debate over tournament-focused plans versus neighborhood needs.
The Lake Placid Town Council authorized an agreement with Catalyst Design Group using a Spring Lake piggyback contract to prepare a parks master plan for $40,900, to be funded from the town’s general fund. The motion passed at the Aug. 11 meeting.
Why it matters: Councilors and staff said a formal master plan will help prioritize park investments and strengthen future grant applications. Council members and several residents, however, debated whether the plan would prioritize tournament‑oriented facilities (which attract tourism-bed tax revenue) or neighborhood amenities for local children and families.
Scope and contract: Town staff described the piggyback agreement as modeled after the Spring Lake master-planning effort. Catalyst presented a proposal with optional CAD renderings available at higher cost; the piggyback approach avoids a separate competitive procurement and is intended to reduce time and cost. Staff said funding is available in the general fund and that the proposal covers multiple parks.
Public comment and council concerns: Some residents urged the council to hold off and spend limited funds on immediate maintenance at existing parks rather than planning: “We currently can't afford to maintain our parks. We can't afford to repair our parks,” said Gilbert Bridal. Council member Everhart and others warned that Tourist Development Council (TDC) priorities may emphasize tournament venues that generate “heads and beds,” while local residents seek playgrounds, trails and neighborhood amenities. Everhart said the town should piggyback where it makes sense but guard against plans solely designed to drive tourism.
Staff next steps: Council authorized the agreement and asked staff to return with any required breakout of phases (for example, grant-assistance tasks as a separate phase) and advised that the TDC offer to assist with drilling down on Lake June Park would be coordinated and presented to council in September.
Ending: Staff will proceed with the Catalyst piggyback agreement and return to council with the park master plan deliverables and options for grant assistance and implementation.
