The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, August 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., in the Education Building – McMahon Hall, at the MetroParks Farm, on Rt. 46, in Canfield. The agenda will be available on the website after 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
The East Cohasset Hiking Trail in Mill Creek Park has reopened after an extensive improvement project. Improved features throughout the 1.2-mile hiking trail include new aggregate surfacing, new and replaced stormwater conduit and drain inlets, along with rebuilt sandstone walls, steps, and drainage channels. Additionally, a new section of trail was constructed along the perimeter of The Flats to connect the East Cohasset Trail to the East Gorge Trail. The project was designed and implemented to improve and expand accessibility for park visitors, improve stormwater drainage, and to ensure the longevity of the trail infrastructure and its use. Establishing and extending a uniform, accessible trail surface will enable more individuals to experience some of the most scenic views and areas within Mill Creek Park.
The project was entirely funded by the generosity of a private donor.
The D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center and Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park will be closed to the public beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2023, for the Annual Summer Garden Party fundraiser. The proceeds from this event support the renovation of the Children’s Garden and is hosted by the Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens. The Davis Center and Gardens will reopen to the public on Saturday, July 29, 2023 during normal operating hours. For more information, please call 330.740.7116.
Beginning on Monday, July 24, West Park Drive from Old Furnace Road to Lily Pond Drive will be closed for resurfacing work. Work to be completed during this closure includes installation of new asphalt drive lanes, aggregate shoulders and pavement markings. Funding for the project is provided by the OPRA/ODOT Park District Drive Improvement Program and Mill Creek MetroParks.
The project is expected to last approximately one week, barring any inclement weather that would delay or prolong the anticipated project schedule and extend the closure.
Mill Creek MetroParks presents “Bug Day” at the MetroParks Farm (7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd, Canfield) on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 11 am – 3 pm. This free, family friendly event will include live bug exhibits, including “The BugMan”, Mark Berman, from Columbus, Ohio; Orin McMonigle, author of dozens of books on insects; and Don Kovach, the local “Bee-Manager.” Other fun activities will include gentle and respectful bug-catching and release, bug crafts, a bug tattoo station, and a special Pop-Up Library visit from the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. Mill Creek MetroParks merchandise, snacks, drinks, tractor wagon rides, and a framed photo at the bug-themed photo booth will be available for purchase (cash only).
For those who want an even more close-up bug-experience, there will be a private BugMan Stage Show that takes place immediately before the free, public Bug Day! event. This private show will feature The BugMan’s original up-close videos and live bug demonstrations. It is an entertaining and informative up-close and personal presentation that is sure to wow both children and adults. Limited to 30 participants. Registration is required for the stage show and can be made online at https://reservations.millcreekmetroparks.org/programs/2059/ or by calling 330.740.7107 ext. 129. $15 per person.
Limited parking is free on-site. For more information on this event, please call 330.740.7107 or visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org.
The Education Citizens Advisory Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., in the Education Building – Classroom A, at Ford Nature Center, 840 Old Furnace Road, in Youngstown.
Mill Creek MetroParks is pleased to announce the opening of the East Park Hike & Bike Trail – Phase II in Mill Creek Park. With completion of this construction project, the nearly 1700-foot (0.32-mile) section of asphalt trail is open for use by pedestrians and bicyclists. The completed project extends the existing trail from Lanterman’s Mill at Canfield Road (US 62) around the perimeter of the historic Idora Park property to the East Cohasset Hike & Bike Trail.
Construction of this section of trail completes an off-road network of pedestrian and bicycle trails stretching through Mill Creek Park from Boardman-Canfield Road (US 224) to Old Furnace Road. Facilities such as Ford Nature Center, Lanterman’s Mill, East Newport Boat Launch and East Golf Hike & Bike Trail are now connected through this network of trails.
The project reflects the MetroParks’ objectives of enhancing trail opportunities and funding new projects with third party dollars as 80% of the project funding was awarded through a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant. This grant program from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is administered locally by Eastgate Regional Council of Governments.
Please visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org for additional project information or contact Mill Creek MetroParks at 330-702-3000 with questions.
The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, July 10, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., in the Education Building – McMahon Hall, at the MetroParks Farm, on Rt. 46, in Canfield. The agenda will be available on the website after 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. A meeting of the Public Records Commission will be held prior to the Regular Board Meeting at 5:30 p.m., at the same location.
The Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks has scheduled a Special Board Meeting for Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 8:00 a.m., in the Education Building – Classroom A, at the MetroParks Farm, on Rt. 46, in Canfield. The only item on the agenda is a Board Retreat to discuss Board Governance, no decisions will be made.
Beginning today, Tuesday, June 27, 2023, East Cohasset Trail in Mill Creek Park will be closed for a trail rehabilitation project. Work will consist of necessary earthwork, installation of stormwater conduit, installation of aggregate trail surface, and miscellaneous related items.
The project is expected to last approximately forty-five (45) days in total, barring any inclement weather that would delay or prolong the anticipated project schedule.
Please visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org for additional project information or contact Mill Creek MetroParks at 330-702-3000 with questions.