Mill Creek MetroParks Road Closures

The following roads in Mill Creek MetroParks will be closed to vehicular traffic as well as cyclists and pedestrians from approximately 7:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2016 for the Casal’s 5K Run/Walk:

• New Cross Drive
• Bears Den Drive
• Cross Drive
• West 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 Improve Lanterman’s Mill Parking Lot

Mill Creek MetroParks is commencing a project to rehabilitate the existing Lanterman’s Mill parking lot.  The project goals include improving pavement, curbing, and hiking trails, addressing stormwater by replacing conduit and enhancing natural habitat, and constructing a new concrete entrance plaza.

The project will replace existing asphalt curb with new concrete curb, as well as add an overlay of asphalt pavement.  An adjacent natural area will be graded and planted with native species to detain and treat stormwater for short periods of time.  Also, hiking trails will receive new aggregate and a new concrete entrance plaza will be constructed between the parking lot and existing asphalt trail.  Mill Creek MetroParks will cover 100% of the costs for the parking lot rehabilitation project.

Construction is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 2, 2016, with the project expected to be completed by the end of June.  While the Lantermans’ Mill parking lot will be closed throughout the duration of the project, Lanterman’s Mill will remain open following its normal schedule.  The Lanterman’s Mill overflow parking lot on East Park Drive will be open for use by all Lanterman’s Mill and Mill Creek Park visitors. 

Additional information can be obtained by calling Mill Creek MetroParks at 330-702-3000.

Kites will Soar at MetroParks’ Kite Festival on Saturday

Join Mill Creek MetroParks and the Ohio Society for the Elevation of Kites in a celebration of kites and all things that float, soar, and fly through the skies! Experts will brighten the skies with kites and their ingenious designs. Bring your own kite to fly and enter in free games. Enjoy bubbles, gliders, and other activities such as create-a-kite and sky crafts.

The Kite Festival will be Saturday, April 30 at Wick Recreation Area from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event is free to attend. Some crafting activities have a small free to cover the cost of materials.

For questions and more information, call Ford Nature Center at 330.740.7107 or visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org.

Mill Creek MetroParks Partners with Trailside Bicycle Company to Offer Bike Rentals

Beginning Sunday, May 1 Trailside Bicycle Company will be offering hourly and daily bike rentals from the Kirk Road Trail Head located at 6685 Kirk Road, Canfield. The rentals are being offered as part of a lease agreement between Mill Creek MetroParks and Trailside Bicycle Company.

“This collaboration is a prime example of how Mill Creek MetroParks can partner with local, private companies in expanding recreational opportunities to the community in a cost effective manner. The guys at Trailside Bicycle Company have developed a fine reputation within the biking community and we look forward to having them on the MetroParks Bikeway.” states Aaron Young, Executive Director for Mill Creek MetroParks.

The new rental location will be open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the last rental one hour prior to close. They will have adult and children’s size bikes, as well as adult tricycles, and costs will begin at $9 per hour.  The facility will also offer emergency repair services for any cyclists out on the MetroParks Bikeway in need of assistance.

Bryan Ashman, Co-Owner of Trailside Bicycle Company, explains “we see this new location with Mill Creek MetroParks as a great way to offer another service to our community, as well as put more people on bicycles. The hike and bike path is a great outdoor resource in the Valley and we feel that this facility will be a perfect opportunity for both members of the area and visitors to experience a little bit more of what Valley and the MetroParks have to offer.”

May 1 is also the start of National Bike Month. Trailside Bicycle Company will be starting the month with two group rides; one will be a 40-mile group ride at 9:00 a.m., the other a 10:00 a.m. family ride. Both rides will start at Trailside’s flagship location (410 W. Main St., Canfield) with a coffee social. The family ride will stop at Kirk Road Trailhead and then return to the Canfield shop.

For more information visit www.trailsidebicyclecompany.com.

Enjoy a greener, cleaner MetroParks, thanks to today’s work of Valley Scouts

Click to read this article at Vindy.com

Youngstown garden club lending hand to Mill Creek’s Daffodil Meadow – again

Click to view this article at Vindy.com