Lake Placid's success with and interest in winter sports led the townspeople in the 1920s to bid for the 1932 Games, with two main goals in mind: To construct or upgrade winter facilities, and to become recognized as a leader in the resort and sports world. Both of these goals were accomplished with the 1932 Games.

In the late 1920s and early '30s, sports facilities, including the first indoor ice arena, were constructed. The township surrounding Lake Placid developed a funding mechanism that continues today: a Park District town tax that provides an ongoing source of revenues for facility maintenance. Though the Olympic venues are managed and operated by the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority, formed after the 1980 Olympics, the, township retains ownership of the Olympic Center, speedskating oval, and Olympic Jumping complex.

From 1932 to the 1950s, Lake Placid hosted more international sporting events and produced more athletes on U.S. Olympic teams than any other town in the U.S.

The Olympic Winter Games brought worldwide recognition to Lake Placid and led to increased tourism, the backbone of the economy here in the Adirondack Mountains. The success of the 1932 Games expanded the summer tourism season here, and the meetings/convention business was launched. The Games also drove investment to this area during the Great Depression.

The bid process for the 1980 Games actually began in 1954. A total of 13 bids were presented to the United State Olympic Committee (USOC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over the years, resulting in the awarding of the 1980 Games in 1974. Again, the community's goals were to update sports facilities and bring international recognition to Lake Placid, and again, those goals were met with the 1980 Gaines.

The years following the 1980 Olympic Winter Games saw Lake Placid develop more of a year 'round economy, with tourism business extending into the spring and fall months. While there were no major hotel developments, many area businesses have been expanded or upgraded over the years. Tourism into the area has increased by I 00 percent since pre- 1980. And the community welcomed the USOC's decision to establish Lake Placid as an official Olympic training site.

Lake Placid's ties to the Olympics span nearly 80 years. There is a movement to once again pursue hosting of an Olympic Games. The newly formed Adirondack Sports Commission is working to bring another Olympic Winter Games back to Lake Placid and the Adirondacks sometime in the 21st century.

Article and Pictures Courtesy of 

Lake Placid Essex County Visitors Bureau

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