BY SAM CAPUANO
sam@theballstonjournal.com
When it comes to historical and/or notable landmarks in the Village of Ballston Spa, the Old Iron Spring Pavilion on Front Street often is the first thing which comes to mind. For many it is literally the symbol of the village, and is often depicted as such in photos.
So when an idea is floated to improve the area immediately surrounding the ubiquitous structure it draws attention. Such was the case earlier this month when Ballston Spa High School sophomore Tyler Lowenstein made a presentation to the Ballston Spa Village Board to explain his desire to build a performing arts stage there.
A look at the plans disclose the stage base to be 20 feet wide by 16 feet deep, with a roof with a 4 foot peak, which would cover roughly two-thirds of the base platform.
Tyler showed me the proposed spot for the stage few weeks ago. The space backs up against Gordon Creek. The land slopes downward towards where the stage would be, a la SPAC, which would create good sight lines for spectators. There is plenty of land around the stage for spectators as well.
The day I met with Tyler on the proposed location it was a snowy January afternoon, but it’s the warmer days of spring and summer which are on his mind for his project. He is interested in the arts and envisions the stage as a spot for outdoor plays, musicals, and concerts as well. He’s always loved theater and has been involved with school plays and several other local productions. In addition, he has a large interest in engineering and feels the stage is a good combination of the two. The sketch of the stage he provided looks like a winner.
Tyler has been involved with Boy Scouts for nine years, currently in Troop 1, which is chartered by the United Methodist Church in Ballston Spa. The stage project is what he will using as he works for his Eagle Scout designation.
As anyone knows who tries to have a project such as this come to fruition, it is not easy. To this end, this ambitious young man has done plenty of homework on his project thus far. He first met with Patrick Ferlo, the Director of the University at Albany’s Performing Arts Center, who also volunteers to design sets for Ballston Spa High School and Middle School plays. This helped Tyler to visualize what the finished stage would look like. He also met with Mayor John Romano to get his opinion on the project, and most recently with the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association to allow them to review the project and make them aware of what he’ll be doing in the community.
Not bad for a high school sophomore, eh?
He is hopeful the project will be completed this Spring so it would be available for any village events in the warmer months. After obtaining approval from Twin Rivers Council BSA he will be able to continue the phases of his project. These include fundraising, scheduling, and execution of the project itself.
This is not the typical Eagle Scout project. And certainly is not what one would expect from a teenager. Maybe that’s a plus.
“I understand that my project will be significantly more complex than other projects I could have chosen,” said Tyler. “However, once I’ve earned my Eagle I’ll be proud to look back at what I’ve created and enjoy what it’s doing for the Village of Ballston Spa.”
These things do not come cheap. Tyler will be looking for support from local businesses, organizations, and individuals. Anyone with a desire to donate or volunteer for my project can contact him at 885-6874.
As Tyler told me last week, “The more the community benefits from it, the happier I’ll be.” I have a sneaking suspicion the feeling may be mutual.
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