Newsletter Fall 2025
Dear Friends of Boothe River Park,
As the leaves turn and the river slows into its winter rhythm, we’re excited to share a few important updates on the progress of the Boothe River Park project. Thanks to your enthusiasm and support, momentum continues to build on all fronts — from design and permitting to new funding and community events.
Grant Awards and New Funding
We’re thrilled to announce that Boothe River Park has been awarded several new grants this season!
Lake Champlain Basin Program grant: We’ve received funding to launch a Paddling Gear Library, which will provide community members with access to kayaks, SUPs, tubes, and safety gear — lowering barriers for locals including youth to enjoy the river.
Cloudsplitter Foundation grant: With their generous support, we’ve secured the ability to install a fully autonomous stream gauging station adjacent to the project site to monitor stream height and health, and deploy a wave cam.
Franklin County Experiential Tourism grant: We were recently awarded funds to support efforts related to construction site preparation, improving river access, project promotion, and interpretive signage surrounding the river park project.
These awards demonstrate growing recognition of the Park’s importance as a community asset and a model for river-based revitalization. Building on our partnership with the Village of Saranac Lake, we are actively pursuing additional funding opportunities to support the next phase of construction.
Design and Permitting Progress
The 60% design plans are now complete, and we’ve begun the permitting process with local, state, and federal agencies — including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FERC, NYSDEC, and others. So far, no major red flags have been identified, and coordination is moving smoothly.
We’re also working closely with the Village of Saranac Lake to finalize riverbank easements with neighboring property owners to ensure safe and sustainable public access along the right bank.
Community Events and Engagement
Our first-ever River Reels Film Fest and Boothe Bitty Boat Race were huge successes this summer — drawing strong community turnout, raising project funds, and sparking new energy for what’s to come. Both events will return in 2026, with new twists and ways to get involved!
Stay tuned for a fun, adrenaline-filled, spectator-friendly event coming this winter involving snow, boats, and rip-roaring fun…
Meanwhile, the Friends of Boothe River Park continue to meet regularly and serve as the project’s driving force, helping coordinate outreach, logistics, and planning alongside Village staff. Please reach out if you’re interested in joining the Friends group and helping move this project forward. We seek help specifically with event planning,
Looking Ahead
The next few months will focus on continued permitting, grant submittals, and expanding partnerships for education and recreation programs along the river. The dream of transforming this section of the Saranac River into a vibrant, accessible community hub is closer than ever.
Thank you for being part of the journey — your support, ideas, and enthusiasm make all the difference.
See you down river!
The Boothe River Park Team
