Communities

Lake Placid/ North Elba Horse Show Grounds Vision Plan

Sprawling sports complex with fields, trees, and parking, surrounded by countryside.

SE Group partnered with the Town of North Elba and the Village of Lake Placid to create a Vision Plan for the Horse Show Grounds and adjacent recreation area. The project aimed to guide the future of this dynamic multi-use site, which serves as a centerpiece for community events, athletics, and recreation. The plan provides a clear framework for how the showgrounds and surrounding facilities can evolve to better serve both local residents and visitors while balancing recreation, environmental protection, and community identity.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains, the North Elba Horse Show Grounds are an iconic part of Lake Placid’s recreational and cultural landscape. The site sits within a unique corridor of activity that includes the Olympic Jumping Complex, scenic rivers, athletic fields, and the Lake Placid Airport. It hosts world-class equestrian events, local recreation programs, and regional gatherings that embody the community’s spirit and legacy as an Olympic destination.

Green field under clear blue sky with clouds and distant mountains.

The Challenge

The Town and Village sought to reimagine a complex, multi-functional site that supports both daily recreation and major regional events. The challenge was to integrate the showgrounds, athletic fields, and surrounding amenities into a cohesive and flexible master plan that respects airspace restrictions, floodplain conditions, and environmental sensitivities along the river. The site also needed improvements to circulation, parking, and stormwater management to enhance user experience and year-round usability.

SE Group’s Role

SE Group led a collaborative planning process that combined landscape architecture, community planning, and stakeholder engagement. Through workshops, stakeholder meetings, and public sessions, the team explored opportunities to improve site function, programming, and community benefit.

Multiple design alternatives were developed to test different layouts, facility upgrades, and recreation opportunities. The preferred concept included enhanced multi-use trails, parking and circulation improvements, new multipurpose sheds, a dog park, pump track, and options for future indoor recreation facilities. SE Group also provided 3D visualizations, cost ranges, and phasing strategies to help decision-makers prioritize investments and plan for implementation.

The Impact

The Vision Plan gives the Town of North Elba and the Village of Lake Placid a roadmap for transforming the Horse Show Grounds into a more accessible, sustainable, and community-oriented destination. It enhances the site’s ability to host year-round recreation and major events while preserving the natural setting that makes it so distinctive. The plan’s flexible, phased approach ensures that future improvements align with community priorities, available resources, and the long-term vision for Lake Placid as a leader in outdoor recreation and tourism.