Human skeletal remains discovered in a wooded area of a Manhasset park are believed to be those of a person who disappeared nearly a year ago, Nassau County police said.

The remains were found Thursday evening in Plandome Pond Park near the train tracks after members of the Manhasset track team spotted what appeared to be human bones while running through the area.

"The kids believed what they saw may have been some remains of a human body," Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said. "They went back, reported it, the 911 call was received, we went to that scene, and we confirmed it was human remains."

Police said the remains were located in a wooded section of the park, prompting a large-scale investigation that closed the area for several hours.

According to Ryder, investigators believe the remains may be connected to a person who went missing about a year ago.

Authorities are working to identify the remains and determine exactly how the person died. Police have not released additional details about the deceased or how the remains ended up in the park.

Investigators said they do not currently suspect foul play.

The discovery has disturbed residents of the normally quiet community, though many expressed hope it may provide long-awaited answers to a family searching for a loved one.

"Hopefully the family that may have been wondering, unfortunately, now knows," said Plandome Heights resident Marion Endrizzi. "At least they know."

The investigation remains ongoing.