To start the second semester, the Entrepreneurship class led by Mr. Thomas “Brody” Broderick came up with the project of solving a real business problem: The Lake Placid Toboggan Chute. If you’ve walked on Main Street before you’ve probably recognized it by its massive size. This 30-foot-high structure sends toboggans down an ice-covered chute onto frozen Mirror Lake. This is one of locals’ and tourists’ favorite activities to do in the winter. It’s the perfect way to get the adrenaline pumping and have fun with friends.
Since safe ice is defined as 4” thick for foot traffic, achieving this thickness takes some cold weather, and with global warming, this has become a real challenge for the safety of the Lake Placid Toboggan chute. For many years, they were able to start rides in December, but some years, including 2024, they can’t start until February. With global warming increasing, what will it look like ten years from now? That’s why the Entrepreneurship class decided to take responsibility for finding a solution and developing a pitch for the Village of Lake Placid Parks Department.
To start the project, “Brody” had to interview each student to see their strengths so he could assign team captains. The chosen captains then had the choice to either trade or keep members of their team with other members from other teams if they reached an agreement with another captain. The teams will compete to find the best solution.
This will be an enriching experience for students, pushing them to be creative and work together. Maybe one of our three teams will come up with the best plan for the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute and get to have a lasting impact on our community.