Miller stepping down as Mill Creek MetroParks Executive Director

The Mill Creek MetroParks Board of Park Commissioners is announcing it has received and accepted the resignation of Executive Director Dennis Miller as of September 29, 2014.

“I am truly appreciative of the opportunity the Board of Park Commissioners has given me as Executive Director of Mill Creek MetroParks,” Miller said in a resignation letter to the Board of Park Commissioners. “I feel that I have accomplished so much in my tenure here at the MetroParks, but I have made the difficult decision that it is time for me to move on in my professional career.”

Miller has served the MetroParks for nearly 17 years, first as Head Golf Professional, then as Golf Director, and most recently as Executive Director for 2 years. He is leaving to pursue a position at The Lake Club in Poland, Ohio as the Golf Director. Miller will remain involved with the MetroParks until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition to the new Executive Director.

“I feel humbled and honored that I have been able to represent such an iconic institution in the community,” Miller said. “The future is bright for Mill Creek MetroParks. We are in the second year of a 10-year Action Plan that will strengthen the mission of the MetroParks. This Plan will introduce innovative ideas while preserving the historic integrity of Mill Creek MetroParks. I wish all the best for the MetroParks, the Board of Park Commissioners and especially the MetroParks staff. I would like to thank each and every staff member for his/her hard work, dedication, and professionalism throughout the years. I am confident that the new leader of Mill Creek MetroParks will carry on the great legacy left by Volney Rogers more than a century ago.”

Mill Creek MetroParks Road Closures (9.28.2014)

The following roads in Mill Creek Park will be closed to vehicular traffic as well as cyclists and pedestrians from approximately 7 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2014 for the Run Ytown 10 Miler:

  •  Old Mill Drive
  •  Kreider’s Entrance
  •  West Newport Drive
  •  East Newport Drive
  •  Chestnut Hill Drive

Always use caution when driving on MetroParks roads as many of these roads are also used by pedestrians and bicyclists. Pedestrians and bicyclists should be reminded to also use caution and be aware of vehicular traffic when on these roads. For more information about Mill Creek MetroParks, visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org.

Mill Creek MetroParks to present Sunset at the Farm

Mill Creek MetroParks presents Sunset at the Farm at the MetroParks Farm (7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd., Canfield, OH 44406) on Saturday, September 20 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Watch the sun set over the horizon and enjoy folk music, roasting marshmallows over the campfire, exploring the animal barns and a corn maze, watching cider and homemade apple butter demonstrations, playing old-time games, taking a tractor-drawn wagon hay ride and more. Pony rides and face painting will be available for a small fee.

For more information about this event or Mill Creek MetroParks, visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org.

Road Closures for event

The following roads in Mill Creek Park will be closed to vehicular traffic as well as cyclists and pedestrians from approximately 6 a.m. until noon on Sunday, September 14, 2014 for the Green Cathedral Half Marathon/5K/Kids Fun Run:

  • Bears Den Drive
  • Lily Pond Drive
  • West Drive
  • West Glacier Drive
  • Robinson Hill Drive
  • East Glacier Drive
  • Memorial Hill Drive
  • East Cohasset Drive
  • East Park Drive
  • Valley Drive
  • Old Mill Drive
  • East Newport Drive
  • Kreider’s Entrance
  • West Newport Drive
  • Chestnut Hill Drive
  • High Drive
  • West Cohasset Drive
  • Cross Drive
  • New Cross Drive

Always use caution when driving on MetroParks roads as many of these roads are also used by pedestrians and bicyclists. Pedestrians and bicyclists should be reminded to also use caution and be aware of vehicular traffic when on these roads. For more information about Mill Creek MetroParks, visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org.

Mill Creek MetroParks Board Meeting Cancelled

Mill Creek MetroParks has received notice that there will not be the necessary quorum for the Board Meeting scheduled for tonight (Monday, September 8 at Birch Hill Cabin) therefore, the meeting has been cancelled. Notice will be provided as to the next meeting date when that information becomes available.

Mill Creek MetroParks to present the Farmer & the Chef event

Mill Creek MetroParks will present the Farmer & the Chef, sponsored by WFMJ/WBCB, on Saturday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the MetroParks Farm (7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Canfield). Local chefs will create dishes from fresh, locally sourced ingredients from area farms/producers. Patrons can sample food, craft beer, and enjoy the music of Gail George and Donkey Engine. Proceeds from the Farmer & the Chef support Mill Creek MetroParks agriculture education programs which reach more than 10,000 children annually. Tickets are $50 each and are can be purchased by calling 330.702.3000 or visiting www.millcreekmetroparks.org.

Participating chefs are David Armstrong of Cater 2 U, Danny Catullo of Catullo Prime Meats, Gordy Jelic-Lettieri of Gordy’s Specialty Market, Melissa Poland of Ghossain’s Gourmet Mediterranean Foods, Rebecca Cranshaw of The Georgetown, and Michele Barratt of The Flaming Ice Cube. Participating farms/producers are Angiuli’s Farm Market, Badurik’s Butcher Block, Catalpa Grove Farm, Dandelion Lane Farm, G. Burbick Farms, Gia Russa, Haus Apple Orchards and Cider Mill, Iron Roots Urban Farm, Lucky Penny Farm & Creamery, Molnar Farms, The Lettuce People, and White House Fruit Farm. Desserts will be provided by Selah Restaurant and Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt. Coffee provided by Joe Maxx Coffee Company. Sampling and tasting of olive oils and vinaigrettes provided by Deer Creek Olive Grove.

Sponsors and special contributors are vital to the success of the Farmer & the Chef, and without them, this event would not be possible. This year’s sponsors are: Platinum Sponsor – WFMJ/WBCB; Gold Sponsors – Packer Thomas, Schwebel Baking Company, Superior Beverage, Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, T. R. Party Centre, and Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates; Silver Sponsors – All Points Physical Therapy, Buckeye Lawn Service, Denise DeBartolo York, Do-Cut Sales & Service, Gina Cimmento Dancers, Huntington Bank, and WYSU-FM; Bronze Sponsors – 1820 House Candle Co., Fitness Together, Gardening Indoor, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt, Mahoning County Farm Bureau, The Social Studio, and Something New Florist & Events.

Mill Creek MetroParks Preventative Maintenance Closures

Multiple parking lots and paved areas throughout Mill Creek Park will be temporarily closed for annual asphalt sealing and preventative maintenance. Work is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 3 and will continue for approximately one week. Lots will reopen for public use when work is completed.

Several prominent areas scheduled for maintenance include East Golf Hike/Bike (Rt. 224 entrance), Newport Wetlands, and trails at Yellow Creek Park and Wick Recreation Area. While the lots are closed, the facilities they support will remain open and accessible for public use. Private rentals of cabins and pavilions will not be affected by this project. Please use alternate parking lots to access these facilities when lots are closed.

In the event of inclement weather, the work schedule will be delayed and adjusted accordingly. For more information about this project or Mill Creek MetroParks, visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org.