Press Release
June 23, 2023
Contact:
Haley Breen
North Elba/Lake Placid Community Development Director
hbreen@northelba.org
Ribbon Cutting Scheduled to Mark Completion of Improvements to McKinley Street Park
North Elba, NY – The Town of North Elba will mark the completion of upgrades to the McKinley Street Park with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Wednesday, June 28 at 10:30 am. Improvements include the installation of two sets of playground equipment and sand footprints, a wheelchair accessible swing and picnic table, a new fence, and improved parking.
The project received $50,000 in funding through the Local Enhancement and Advancement Fund (LEAF) in October of 2022.
“We were happy to support this project,” said Val Rogers, a member of the LEAF review committee. “It aligns with the goals of the LEAF program and seemed like a truly collaborative effort. We’re excited to see the positive impact these improvements will have for both residents and visitors.”
The Town of North Elba Park District was the driving force behind the project. They worked with the Town and Village Boards to reach out to Ampersand Biosciences last summer, who agreed to donate the playground equipment on their property at the site of the old Lake Clear Elementary School. The North Elba Highway Department transported the equipment to its new home.
Planning for the rest of the park was intended to accommodate varying ages, meet safety requirements, and improve accessibility while still leaving plenty of open space for park-goers. The Lake Placid Rotary Club provided $5,000 in funding to put toward the wheelchair accessible equipment.
“We are very grateful for the funds and efforts from all the different organizations – LEAF, Rotary, the Park District, High Department, and Public Works – and the donation of the equipment by Ampersand Biosciences,” said Derek Doty, Town Supervisor. “It’s a great display of local organizing and the results speak for themselves!”
Both the Town of North Elba Park District and the Village of Lake Placid Department of Public Works assisted with planning and installation. Work began last fall and was completed this May after a break for winter weather.
“I see people out here all the time enjoying the new equipment,” Art Devlin, Village Mayor, said. “It’s a great year-round amenity for everybody.”
All are welcome at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday.