Bid Approval Granted for Water Wheel Replacement

Lanterman’s Mill Water Wheel Replacement Bid Approved by Board

(Youngstown, Ohio)  Mill Creek MetroParks Board of Park Commissioners awarded a bid totaling $182,500 for the replacement of the Lanterman’s Mill Water Wheel on April 10, 2017. The project is part of this year’s capital improvements plan and is located at Lanterman’s Mill in Mill Creek Park, adjacent to Canfield Road (SR 62) in the City of Youngstown, Mahoning County, Ohio. The existing wooden water wheel was constructed and installed in 2000 and due to its continuous use and age, it has deteriorated to a point where total replacement is needed. The existing waterwheel is still in operation and its operation will be maintained until the wheel is replaced at the end of the 2017 season.  In addition to total replacement of the waterwheel, the project includes the following major elements:

  • Replacement of the waterwheel trestle and maintenance platforms
  • Construction of new waterwheel headblocks
  • Replacement of the penstock and flume
  • Replacement of penstock and head race control gates
  • Alterations and repairs to the lower public viewing platform
  • Electrical lighting improvements

Forty-nine percent of the awarded total project amount of $182,500 is being paid for by the proceeds of the Recipes of Youngstown cookbook sales along with support of the MetroPark’s Foundations Lanterman’s Mill Endowment Fund. Mill Creek MetroParks will pay the remaining 51% or approximate balance of $92,770.89 towards the project.

About Lanterman’s Mill

One of Mahoning County’s most historic landmarks, Lanterman’s Mill was built in 1845-46 by German Lanterman and Samuel Kimberly. Restored in 1982-85 through a gift from the Ward and Florence Beecher Foundations, this community treasure represents one of the many pioneer industries developed along Mill Creek. The mill operates today as it did in the 1800s using a large, interior wooden water wheel to generate power to operate ingenious equipment that turns massive stones which are then used to grind corn, wheat, and buckwheat.