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 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2016 for the YMCA Memorial 5 Mile Run:

  • East Glacier Drive
  • Memorial Hill Drive
  • West Glacier Drive
  • Price Road

During this time, the Price Road entrance to Fellows Riverside Gardens will be closed, but the main McKinley Ave. entrance will remain open.

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 Par-3 Golf Course to be Part of Junior Series

Area junior golfers will compete in an interleague competition at three Par-3 Golf Courses.  Teams will consist of 10 co-ed golfers between the ages of seven to 12 with six players participating at each team match.  Each team match will be a 9-hole event with two juniors playing a scramble format. Outcomes will be based off a point system for each team match.

A tournament schedule of home & away matches will be conducted over the summer months with a season finale cook-out to be held on July 30, 2016 at Mill Creek MetroParks Par-3.

Participating courses include Parto’s Golf Course in Youngstown, Whispering Pines Golf Course in Columbiana, and Mill Creek MetroParks in Youngstown. The cost for a junior golfer is $79.99 which includes their greens fees, team shirt, year-end cook-out, and prizes and trophies.

For questions and more information, call Mill Creek Golf Course at 330.740.7112 or visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org.

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 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2016 for the Fitness Together 5K Run/Walk.

• New Cross Drive
• Bears Den Drive
• Cross Drive
• West Drive

In addition Price Road near the Old Log Cabin will experience brief, periodic, partial closures from 8 am until approximately 1 pm. for the Vertical Runner STIC Race. The entrance to Fellows Riverside Gardens on Price Road will remain open.

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.

Mill Creek MetroParks Expands Hours of East Golf Hike & Bike Trail

At the May 16 meeting of the Board of Commissioners it was voted to extend the hours of East Golf Hike & Bike Trail, located in Boardman Township, to match those of the existing MetroParks Bikeway. Both facilities will now be open year round to the public from 5:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.

“Extending the hours for East Golf Hike & Bike Trail to match those of the MetroParks Bikeway provides the opportunity for park users to access these facilities at times that better fits their schedule. Under the previous hours East Golf closed at dark, which for much of the year here in Ohio is before 6:00 p.m., making it near impossible for many to enjoy the trail after work. We hope this change will allow for more access to the facility for those seeking recreational opportunities in the MetroParks.” states Aaron Young, Executive Director for Mill Creek MetroParks.

The 1.5-mile East Golf Hike & Bike Trail runs from Route 224 to Shields Rd. and provides an asphalt surface for joggers, walkers, bikers, skaters, and in the snowy season—cross country skiers. Parking lots are located at each end of the trail and a pedestrian bridge across Mill Creek connects the trail with Golf Course amenities and additional parking. Restrooms, a drinking fountain, and an information kiosk are located on the trail.

The MetroParks Bikeway runs from Western Reserve Rd. in Canfield Township to the Mahoning/Trumbull County Line in Austintown Township. The almost 11-mile paved trail is part of the Great Ohio Lake to River Greenway and offers a variety of scenery for hikers, skaters, and bicyclists. Parking is available at the MetroParks Farm and the Mahoning Ave. and Kirk Road Trailheads.

Both facilities are closed to traffic, except at intersection on the MetroParks Bikeway, however neither facility is lite for nighttime use. Park goers planning to use the facilities after dark should take necessary safety precautions such as reflective clothing, headlights and taillights on bikes, and carrying a flashlight when walking or jogging.

For more information visit www.millcreekmetroparks.com or www.trailsidebicyclecompany.com.

AJGA Tournament Has Many Options for Local Involvement

The Mill Creek MetroParks Foundation American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Junior All-Star Event offers a number of ways for Mahoning Valley residents and business to get involved as junior golfers travel in from around the world to prove they are the future of golf.
Volunteers are now being accepted for the week long tournament presented by Youngstown Live that runs June 19 – 23, 2016.  Volunteers will be needed for timing stations, live scoring shuttle drivers, hydration rovers, scorecard runners, and CPR/AED certified medics.  There are approximately 75-100 shifts available over the course of the week.  High school and College students in need of community service hours will be awarded letters for their service.  Each volunteer will receive an AJGA logo hat and pin, as well as a chance to watch the event from inside the ropes.

Local juniors who are between the ages of 12 to 15 with a birthday on or before June 23, 2016, will have the chance to qualify for the AJGA tournament in an event set to take place on Saturday, May 28, 2016.   Mill Creek Golf Course will be hosting the local qualifier.  The two low scoring boys and girls will qualify for the event in June.  An additional qualifier will be held at Mill Creek Golf Course by the AJGA on June 19, 2016 on the South Course.

For those interested in playing 18-holes with the junior golfers, the AJGA will be hosting a Junior-3 Amateur Tournament on Monday, June 20, 2016.  The event will be a 1:30 pm shotgun start on Mill Creek’s South Course.  Teams will consist of three amateurs being paired with one of the top-20 junior players from the tournament field.  A reception will follow golf at Fellows Riverside Gardens starting at 7:00 pm. Registration is $600 for a team, the field is limited to the first 20 teams that register.
Event sponsorships and program ads are also available. If you’re interested in becoming an event sponsor please call the Mill Creek MetroParks at 330.702.3000 Ext 18.
To register the Junior-3 Amateur Tournament, the local junior qualifier, or to sign up to volunteer call Mill Creek Golf Course at 330.740.7112. To register for the AJGA local qualifier visit www.AJGA.org.

The AJGA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. AJGA Alumni include the likes of: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Paula Creamer, Stacy Lewis, Rickie Fowler, Jordan Speith, Lexi Thompson and Sergio Garcia.