LAKE PLACID — When the Thrive and Thrift food pantry and thrift store opened in the location of a basketball court at the Shipman Youth Center, village officials didn’t think the court would be missed. However, comments and concerns from the community quickly proved otherwise. The village has recently completed work on a brand-new basketball court at Mill Pond Park on Dow Road.

Mayor Art Devlin said they had planned to put in a half court, as there wasn’t space for a full one, but after speaking with people who used the previous court, they decided on a scaled-down full version with two baskets. The community also requested a fence, lines and new nets, all of which the village delivered on.

For Deputy Mayor Jackie Kelly, this project is a part of a larger initiative to spruce up parks around the village.

“A lot’s changed, and we’re missing some opportunities to make all the parks inclusive for children as well as adults, incorporating art and keeping the equipment current and safe,” Kelly said.

She hopes the location and other features at the park will mean the court is well-used. A few basketballs were donated to the village, so anyone can come down and play.

“It’s a lovely setting,” she said. “People can be here, but bring their families too.”

Devlin added that more work is planned for the park on Dow Road, including fixing up the playground and possibly adding some parking. The basketball court project, which Kelly said cost around $35,000, was largely funded with $20,000 from an anonymous private donor. The park itself has also been supported by the Rotary Club of Lake Placid over the years.

“The village is very lucky that quite a few people are very generous and partner with us and allow us to get things done,” Devlin said.