By Jennifer Abraham 

As part of the Olympic Regional Development Authority’s sweeping transformation of the Lake Placid Olympic Center and the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval, Pathfinder, now IMEG, introduced thoughtful and innovative lighting solutions that honor the site’s legacy and elevate the visitor experience. 

Lighting played a central role in shaping the architecture and atmosphere of the newly added Olympic Center Link, which connects two existing arenas and houses a museum, retail, dining, and office space. Design elements like linear and round luminaires echo the motion of skates on ice, while also differentiating spaces through form and rhythm. Linear pendants embedded in architectural baffles guide guests through the concourse, while ring pendants form a striking focal point in front of a historic scoreboard—perfect for photo moments. 

Energy performance was a top priority. By using all-LED fixtures, daylight and occupancy sensors, and networked controls, the project exceeds energy code requirements by 40%. Remote drivers and small relay panels were discreetly installed above accessible ceilings, avoiding visual clutter and reducing material needs. 

Flexibility was built into the lighting scheme with directionally adjustable fixtures and programmable scenes. An expanded lighting control network gives operators fine-grained control of individual zones, enhancing both functionality and user engagement. 

Warm 3500K color temperatures harmonize with the building’s varied finishes, while cone pendants over the bar subtly reflect the surrounding Adirondack peaks.  

For the revitalization of the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval, we created a lighting design that balances function, aesthetics, and heritage. 

The outdoor oval, which hosts world-class events and year-round recreation, presented complex challenges for lighting placement. Dense underground utilities and existing amenities made it difficult to position light poles around the track. We found a consistent spacing pattern along the north/northeast side—the most congested space—and extended it uniformly around the perimeter. 

To preserve the natural beauty of the surrounding Adirondacks, we coordinated pole heights to align with nearby structures and maintain scenic views. Each of the 15 poles supports four high-output directional luminaires — 10 of them feature RGBA capability. This dynamic lighting allows the venue to customize color schemes for events, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for visitors. 

Lighting controls were seamlessly integrated with the existing indoor arena’s DMX-based system. We coordinated fixture counts to stay within the system’s capacity and extended the control network from the second floor of the arena, through an existing tunnel, and into the new outbuilding at rink level. A local control station was installed to meet energy code requirements and enable on-site adjustments. 

This comprehensive lighting design enhances usability and atmosphere while protecting the area’s natural charm. With intelligent controls, color flexibility, and carefully concealed infrastructure, the project ensures the speed skating oval is still a celebrated hub for sport and community. 

From form to function, every lighting choice made during this renovation connects people to place—illuminating not just the building, but the story it tells.