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Council approves pavilion rental despite safety concerns; lifeguard shortage keeps Heaters Pond closed
Summary
The council approved a facility‑use request for Heaters Pond Pavilion (July 12) over one dissenting vote citing nearby dead trees, and parks officials said the pond will remain closed because only one lifeguard application was received.
On a 5–1 vote the Ogdensburg Mayor and Council approved Rob Lawler’s facility‑use application to hold an event at Heaters Pond Pavilion on July 12, 2026. Councilman Gordon cast the lone no vote and explained his opposition by flagging safety concerns, saying there are “about ten dead trees within three to twenty feet of that pavilion.”
Councilwoman Cowdrick, who moved the permit approval, and other members said the applicant was informed of the safety observations. Separately, Cowdrick reported that the parks and recreation department received only one lifeguard application, so Heaters Pond will remain closed unless additional certified lifeguards are hired. She said she is collecting multiple estimates to repair the pavilion roof and footing and suggested using available budget funds for repairs if the pond remains closed.
No immediate mitigation motion for the dead trees was adopted during the meeting; council asked staff to present repair estimates and continue follow‑up on safety and staffing before future events at the pond.
