Today,City Park serves as a hub for recreation and
relaxation for residents and visitors to Glens Falls. The
park also plays host to several annual events, concerts,
and weddings. Historically, the area now known as City
Park was once a bustling city block, comprised of lavish
homes and prestigious businesses. In 1907, respected
business owner Henry Crandall envisioned a City Park
at the site and initiated the project by putting sidewalks
in his own backyard (pictured). Crandall owned the
largest amount of land in the park and set out to create a
pedestrian-friendly environment for public enjoyment.
Crandall died in 1913, but his vision for City Park lived
on. In 1917, the Glens Falls Common Council voted to
raise funds to buy all remaining property for the park.
Later that year, the Glens Falls Insurance Company bought
$6.671 worth of bonds to pay for the transformation. In
1919, the row of Bay Street business buildings (pictured)
was razed to make room for the park. Next came the
demolition of all homes in the park, concluding in 1931
with the Jerome Lapham House on Ridge Street (the
former library location). By 1931, the 4.3-acre city block
was transformed into the City Park Henry Crandall had
envisioned more than a century ago. In 2009, City Park
received a $500,000 upgrade, which was organized by
the Glens
Falls Business Improvement District and the
Crandall Public Library.
Bandstand History
The Bandstand was first erected as a permanent structure
in City Park on March 7, 1928. This early Bandstand,
complete with electricity, replaced a small mobile
platform that was previously in its place. The original
Bandstand was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1928, and
the community celebrated its induction as a permanent
part of City Park. Nearly 50 years later in 1976, the
original Bandstand gave way to its replacement, the
Bicentennial Bandstand, which was almost identical in
structure. This new Bandstand was paid for by the City
of Glens Falls and enjoyed modern upgrades, including
a state-of-the-art audio system. In 2009, a second
staircase was added to the Bandstand, which allowed
activity on the bandstand to be oriented in either
direction. Today, City Park's Bandstand is a Glens Falls
icon, serving as the cornerstone for many community
events, concerts and activities.
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