Design Firm, REP, Wraps Up Site Visit, Presents Vision for Tom Boothe Whitewater Park
Saranac Lake, [August 9, 2023] – Renowned Whitewater Park Design Firm, REP, led by Gary Lacey and Spencer Lacey, successfully concluded a comprehensive site visit, and unveiled their preliminary visionary plans for the proposed Tom Boothe Whitewater Park along the Saranac River. This marks an important milestone in the multi-phased Whitewater Park project.
REP's team and subcontractors devoted an entire day to thoroughly explore the potential Tom Boothe Whitewater Park site. The site visit, which took place on Wednesday, August 9th, enabled a detailed analysis of the river's natural characteristics, hydrodynamics, and the scope for designing a whitewater feature below the Mayor Frank Ratigan Memorial Bridge. These insights will be pivotal in shaping REP's design approach.
“Tom Boothe Whitewater Park holds immense promise as a premier recreational destination.”
In addition to their site visit, representatives from REP engaged in discussions with the Saranac Lake Village Staff, including Manager Bachana Tsiklauri, Superintendent Dustin Martin, Parks Manger Andy Testo, and Administrative Assistant Cassandra Hopkins. The conversations included project objectives, ecological considerations, community engagement, property considerations.
To cap off the day, REP presented to the Tom Boothe Whitewater Park Friends, the community group championing the park's development. Held at the Garagery, the presentation included a visual presentation of various whitewater parks designed and built by REP, as well as an outline of the vision and potential for a similar concept in Saranac Lake. Gary Lacey and Spencer Lacey concluded the presentation with questions and answers from the Friend’s Group.
"Tom Boothe Whitewater Park holds immense promise as a premier recreational destination," stated Tyler Merriam, whitewater park project coordinator. "This site visit has deepened our understanding of the site's potential, while interactions with the Village Staff and the Tom Boothe Whitewater Park Friends have hopefully enriched everyone’s perspective. We're truly honored to leverage such expertise for this remarkable project."
As the project advances into its next phase, REP, guided by the insights garnered from the site visit, survey data, and bathometric and hydrological information, aims to have a conceptual design completed by the end of 2023. REP's legacy of designing and building approximately 80% of the whitewater parks in the United States is set to elevate the Tom Boothe Whitewater Park and surrounding area into an exciting testament to the possibilities of this recreational, educational, economic, and ecological centerpiece in Saranac Lake.
A huge thank you to REP and their subcontractors for the visit, Andy Testo and Cassandra Hopkins for coordaining the site visit logistics and village meeting, our Saranac Lake Village Staff for taking the time to meet in the midst of their busy schedules, Adam Harris for graciously allowing us to meet at the Garagery, The Friends Group for attending the REP presentation, and the numerous volunteers in and out of the Friend’s Group who have selflessly offered their time and skills to help move this project forward.
