Albany County amends Lawson's Lake camping policy; approves contracts, safety grants and budget shift

Albany County commissioners on an unspecified meeting date approved an amendment to Lawson's Lake Park's public‑use policy to allow limited overnight camping and regulated open fires, and advanced a package of contracts, grants and a departmental budget transfer, county staff told the commission.

The change to Lawson's Lake Park, presented by Bakery Gjani, commissioner for Albany County Parks and Recreation, would codify current practice allowing certain groups to camp overnight at reserved platforms and to use a designated fire pit near Welwyn Lodge. "We do have restrictions. We do have rules about the camp fires," Gjani said. She said staffing will cover the park during open hours and that law enforcement patrols cover the site after dusk.

A county board member, identified in the meeting as Mr. Curtis, moved to approve the Lawson's Lake amendment; a second was given and the motion "carries," according to the meeting record.

Why it matters: The amendment formalizes overnight camping that staff said has been allowed informally for responsible groups such as scouting organizations, and it sets reservation, waiver and patrol expectations that affect public safety and park operations.

Key provisions and clarifications - Reservation and capacity: Staff said reservations will be required; camping will be limited to existing camping platforms. "Currently, right now, we have 2," Gjani said when asked how…