“Kunkins” are what 3-year-old Owen Dobbins of Lordstown dubbed the stars of the Pumpkin Walk at Twilight 2017 on Sunday at Mill Creek MetroParks’ Fellows Riverside Gardens.
Owen particularly liked the pumpkins carved in the likenesses of Anna and Elsa, characters in Disney’s animated film “Frozen,” said his mother, Ashley Dobbins. She and her friend Cody Griffin of Austintown praised the event for being family-oriented – “something to do for kids and families.”
They were among thousands who, despite the threat of inclement weather, found their way to the 12th annual Pumpkin Walk at Twilight and strolled around the grounds admiring the scary and skillfully carved Halloween pumpkins on display.
Andrew Pratt, Fellows Riverside Gardens director, said about 10,000 attended the event in 2016 and estimated this year’s Pumpkin Walk featured about 1,500 pumpkins.
For those who missed Sunday’s Pumpkin Walk, the pumpkins will be on display for a few more days, depending on the weather, said Lynn Zocolo, a park educator.
In addition to the pumpkins, the gardens hosted several activities including a pumpkin-carving demonstration and entertainment by local singer/song writer JD Eicher, who sang and played the acoustical guitar and harmonica in the musical mode of James Taylor and John Mayer.
Mike and Mari Kocjancic of Boardman and their children – Lily and Maddy, both 6, Sophie, 5, and Deacon, 3 – were first-time visitors to the Pumpkin Walk. “The kids love pumpkins and Halloween,” Mari said.
Danielle Mellott and Shane Miller, both of New Castle, Pa., learned of the Pumpkin Walk during a visit to Lanterman’s Mill in the park earlier in the day and decided to stay for the event, which ran from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
“I like scary things,” Mellott said.
“Inspiring” is how Julie Shaw of Edinburg, Pa., described the carved pumpkins. “They give me lots of ideas,” said Shaw, who came to the event with her children – Ryder, 8, Barrett, 4, and Carter, 2 – and the children’s grandparents, Jeff and Pam Shaw of Harlansburg, Pa.
Beth and Jesse Troy of Cornersburg said they enjoyed Pumpkin Walk 2016 immensely and made sure to come back for this year’s event. They love to take pictures of the pumpkins and show them via Skype to their grandchildren in California.
“I love the ambience when the torches are lighted. The walk is beautiful,” said Beth.
Campbell Municipal Court Judge Patrick Cunning attended the event with several family members, including his granddaughters – Diana Cunning, who turned 1 Saturday, and Caroline Rankin, 6 months.
“It’s an outstanding family event. It’s magical,” the judge said.
View the full article at vindy.com
Mill Creek MetroParks Road Closures
/in Press Releases, Road Closings /by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffThe following roads in Mill Creek MetroParks will be closed to vehicular traffic as well as cyclists and pedestrians from approximately 7 a.m. until Noon on Sunday, October 22, 2017 for the Youngstown Peace Race:
• High Drive
• Chestnut Hill Drive
• East Park Drive
• Valley Drive
• West Cohasset Drive
• Bears Den Drive
• West Drive
• West Glacier Drive
• Price Road
• Price Road entrance of Fellows Riverside Gardens
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.
Pumpkin Walk helps visitors get into Halloween spirit
/in Media Coverage /by Mill Creek MetroParks Staff“Kunkins” are what 3-year-old Owen Dobbins of Lordstown dubbed the stars of the Pumpkin Walk at Twilight 2017 on Sunday at Mill Creek MetroParks’ Fellows Riverside Gardens.
Owen particularly liked the pumpkins carved in the likenesses of Anna and Elsa, characters in Disney’s animated film “Frozen,” said his mother, Ashley Dobbins. She and her friend Cody Griffin of Austintown praised the event for being family-oriented – “something to do for kids and families.”
They were among thousands who, despite the threat of inclement weather, found their way to the 12th annual Pumpkin Walk at Twilight and strolled around the grounds admiring the scary and skillfully carved Halloween pumpkins on display.
Andrew Pratt, Fellows Riverside Gardens director, said about 10,000 attended the event in 2016 and estimated this year’s Pumpkin Walk featured about 1,500 pumpkins.
For those who missed Sunday’s Pumpkin Walk, the pumpkins will be on display for a few more days, depending on the weather, said Lynn Zocolo, a park educator.
In addition to the pumpkins, the gardens hosted several activities including a pumpkin-carving demonstration and entertainment by local singer/song writer JD Eicher, who sang and played the acoustical guitar and harmonica in the musical mode of James Taylor and John Mayer.
Mike and Mari Kocjancic of Boardman and their children – Lily and Maddy, both 6, Sophie, 5, and Deacon, 3 – were first-time visitors to the Pumpkin Walk. “The kids love pumpkins and Halloween,” Mari said.
Danielle Mellott and Shane Miller, both of New Castle, Pa., learned of the Pumpkin Walk during a visit to Lanterman’s Mill in the park earlier in the day and decided to stay for the event, which ran from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
“I like scary things,” Mellott said.
“Inspiring” is how Julie Shaw of Edinburg, Pa., described the carved pumpkins. “They give me lots of ideas,” said Shaw, who came to the event with her children – Ryder, 8, Barrett, 4, and Carter, 2 – and the children’s grandparents, Jeff and Pam Shaw of Harlansburg, Pa.
Beth and Jesse Troy of Cornersburg said they enjoyed Pumpkin Walk 2016 immensely and made sure to come back for this year’s event. They love to take pictures of the pumpkins and show them via Skype to their grandchildren in California.
“I love the ambience when the torches are lighted. The walk is beautiful,” said Beth.
Campbell Municipal Court Judge Patrick Cunning attended the event with several family members, including his granddaughters – Diana Cunning, who turned 1 Saturday, and Caroline Rankin, 6 months.
“It’s an outstanding family event. It’s magical,” the judge said.
View the full article at vindy.com
Enjoy Halloween activities this weekend at Mill Creek Park
/in Media Coverage /by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffHalloween is just a few weeks away and if you haven’t started carving pumpkins yet, there’s a way you can do it today for free.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can head over to Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park to carve a pumpkin. Carving will be in the Service Building.
You can either bring your own pumpkin or carve one that the park will provide. They will also provide carving tools if you don’t have any.
The pumpkins will then be displayed at the park’s Pumpkin Walk at Twilight on Sunday, starting at 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.
The walk is also located at Fellows Riverside Gardens, located at 123 McKinley Avenue.
Tomorrow, families can enjoy live entertainment and activities.
View the full article at wkbn.com
Mill Creek Golf Course to hold Snowbird Scramble Tournament
/in Golf, Press Releases /by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffThe 3rd Annual Snowbird Scramble Tournament at Mill Creek Golf Course will take place on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. The event format is a four player team scramble with severe pin placements. Teams can be made up of any combination men, women, seniors or juniors. Men will play the white tee markers, women will play the red markers, seniors (60+) & juniors (16 & under) will play the gold tee markers. “It’s a great way to usher out the 2017 golf season at Mill Creek Golf Course in a relaxing tournament setting with friends and family. The format makes this event a lot of fun for area golfers who will see the flags placed in some unusual hole locations,” says Brian Tolnar, PGA Director of Golf at Mill Creek Golf Course.
Entry Fee of $45/Player, $180/Team includes: greens fees, cart fees, chili cookout, event purse and skill event prizes. An option skins game will be available during the day of play. Register by stopping in or calling the Mill Creek Golf Course at 330.740.7112.
Notice of MetroParks Standing Committee Meetings
/in Press Releases /by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffThe Wildlife Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, at 6 p.m., in Classroom A at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield.
The Community Engagement Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Thursday, October 19, 2017, at 10:30 a.m., in Classroom A at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield.
The Horticulture Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Monday, October 30, 2017, at 6 p.m., in Birch Hill Cabin, near the Lily Pond in Mill Creek Park.
More than 1,000 carved pumpkins to light paths at Fellows gardens
/in Media Coverage /by Mill Creek MetroParks Staff“I love to carve pumpkins!” exclaimed Penelope Roush, 5.
Her enthusiasm was matched by her brother, Parker, 8, as the two took part in pumpkin carving at Fellows Riverside Gardens this week ahead of Sunday’s Pumpkin Walk at Twilight.
Sitting next to Penelope, Parker eagerly carved a Batman-themed design into a massive pumpkin.
“You might want to put in the newspaper how fast I am,” he said proudly.
The two were there with their great-grandmother, Sue Newman of Liberty. The three will be back Sunday with their whole family. As dusk sets in, they’ll be on the look out for their creations lining the gardens’ paths.
“It’s a wonderful event,” Newman said. “It’s beautiful. When they’re all lit up, it’s breathtaking.”
Parker and Penelope’s pumpkin masterpieces will be among 1,000 to 2,000 that will be on display Sunday. Pumpkin carving continues today and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the gardens service building. People are invited to come out and carve, with pumpkins provided by the MetroParks.
“It’s 15,000 pounds of pumpkins we got this year,” said gardens Director Andrew Pratt.
On Sunday, all of them will be set up along the gardens’ winding paths. Over the years, the pumpkin walk has become a popular event. Even with rain in the forecast, Pratt said he expects a turnout of about 10,000 people.
“It think it’s becoming a family attraction. It really brings people out,” he said.
Adding to the fun will be local musician JD Eicher and family-friendly activities. Cider and apples also will be available.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and runs until 8. Pratt suggested that visitors show up early, as the gardens’ parking lot fills up quickly. Additional parking will be available at a nearby church off Mahoning Avenue and on the streets adjacent to the gardens.
Among those who plan to turn out Sunday are Gina DiGiovanni of Warren and Leanne Lee of Girard, who were carving pumpkins Thursday.
This year marked DiGiovanni’s first time participating in the carving. She plans to bring her two kids Sunday.
“Halloween is my favorite season, and I just wanted to help out,” she said, estimating that she’d already carved 10 pumpkins. “I love Mill Creek MetroParks.”
Lee, who skillfully carved an abstract design into her pumpkin, has been to the pumpkin walk several times before.
“I love to come take pictures of all the people walking through and the lights,” she said.
“It’s just a really nice atmosphere.”
View the full article at vindy.com
Fall color blast delayed but coming soon
/in Media Coverage /by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffThe temperatures may not be feeling very fall-like, but the changing leaves tell a different story.
Some color changes are happening in the Valley, but it’s not at peak just yet.
Lynn Zocolo, educator at Mill Creek MetroParks, said there are some pops of color throughout the park, but the peak foliage is a bit later than last year, by about a week or so.
Temperatures play a big role in the change. Cool, crisp nights help the leaves turn colors, and the Valley has been unseasonably warm for the start of fall.
“We are starting to see pops of color around the park, little pockets here and there. However, peak foliage is predicted to be next week, toward the end of the week,” Zocolo said.
Some trees that turned early are already dropping leaves, and that is a sign of stress, Zocolo says.
“We had a long, dry, hot summer, so the leaves that have been turning since the end of August and the beginning of September, those trees are a little stressed because of the weather conditions and such,” Zocolo said.
Once peak foliage hits, there should be a few weeks to enjoy the color before the leaves drop, but that also depends on the weather. Rain and wind can bring the leaves down faster.
View the full article at wkbn.com
Mill Creek MetroParks to Host Family Halloween Bash at the Mill
/in Press Releases /by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffMill Creek MetroParks will host the Family Halloween Bash at Lanterman’s Mill on Saturday, October 21 from 3:30 – 6 p.m. Dress in your Halloween finest for a child friendly party for all ages! Enjoy music and dancing, snacks, games, a costume competition, and more. Adults must be accompanied by a child. This event is sponsored by WKBN 27 First News.
Admission is $3 for Mahoning County residents, $5 for non-residents if registered and paid by October 19. Fees for late admission or walk-ins (limited space) are $5 for residents and $7 for non-residents. For more information or to register, call Ford Nature Center at 330.740.7107 or visit our website at millcreekmetroparks.org.
MetroParks announces plan to bring street hockey rink to Wick Recreation Area
/in Media Coverage /by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffMill Creek MetroParks announced Friday it is partnering with the Youngstown Phantoms hockey team and the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation to bring a street-hockey rink to the James L. Wick Recreation Area on the city’s West Side.
According to a news release, plans are in the works to renovate the former ice-skating rink at the Wick Recreation Area into a space for what’s called “Dek Hockey.”
Dek Hockey is a variation of ice hockey in which the game is played using a ball, either outdoors on foot or with inline skates.
The MetroParks noted the project coincides with the 50-year anniversary in February of the ice-skating rink opening at Wick Recreation Area and comes 15 years after that rink closed in 2002.
For the past several years, the MetroParks has offered ice-skating opportunities in other areas, such as at the Lily Pond and the volleyball courts at Wick Recreation Area.
“Partnerships like these are going to allow us to increase recreational opportunities to our park visitors. This opportunity gives us the ability to link past history of the former ice rink to a new form of recreation that is growing in popularity,” said Aaron Young, MetroParks executive director.
The project’s timeline has not been determined, park officials said.
The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation and its partners will cover the costs and manage installation of the rink, according to the MetroParks. The project is at no cost to the MetroParks.
View the full article at vindy.com
Mill Creek ice rink goes blue for hockey
/in Media Coverage /by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffMill Creek MetroParks is partnering with the Youngstown Phantoms Hockey Team and the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation to renovate the former ice skating rink.
The plan is to turn the former ice rink at the Wick Recreation Area into a street hockey rink, also known as Dek Hockey.
It’s usually blue in color and players can use inline skates or just regular sneakers to hit a ball into the nets.
The goal is to provide an additional four-season form of recreation for both youths and adults.
The project comes 15 years after the closing of the original skating rink in 2002.
View the full article at wfmj.com