CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Address & Phone

Planning & Operations Department
at the Administration Office
7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd.
Canfield, OH 44406

Phone: 330.702.3000
Fax: 330.702.3010

Hours

Monday – Friday
8 am – 3:30 pm
Closed Observed Holidays

Observed Holidays: Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day

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Welcome to the Capital Improvement Projects page for Mill Creek MetroParks! Here, we highlight the ongoing and upcoming initiatives that aim to enhance the park’s infrastructure, natural spaces, and recreational facilities. These projects are designed to improve the park experience for visitors while preserving its beauty and environmental integrity for future generations. Whether it’s upgrading trails, restoring historic landmarks, or expanding recreational amenities, our goal is to ensure that Mill Creek MetroParks remains a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable destination for all. Stay updated on our progress and join us in supporting the continued growth of this beloved community resource.

5-YEAR PROJECT SCHEDULE

View the 5-Year Capital Improvement Schedule for Mill Creek MetroParks.

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PROJECT INFORMATION

FORD NATURE CENTER:
EXHIBIT CONSTRUCTION & REDEVELOPMENT
- Total Project Cost: $4,000,000
- Funded through private philanthropy and the Mill Creek MetroParks General Fund for Capital Improvements.
- Grand Re-Opening Date: April 22, 2023.
- The renovation of the Ford Nature Center addresses for the needed upgrades that will allow for it to continue as the MetroParks’ primary resource for nature education. The upgrades will elevate the level of the visitor’s experience as well as increase opportunities for more hands-on educational experiences in the form of nature classrooms, learning labs, and exhibits. Renovations and additions will include the newly designed exhibit hall in the basement of the building as well as transforming the garage into an educational building.
- The exhibits to be constructed include aspects such as interpretive wall panels and murals, exhibit structures and enclosures, an interactive map table, mobile exhibit of tree bark identification, electro/mechanical operated features, video/audio features, and computer station for eBird activity. Connecting with nature exhibit topics will cover forests, creeks, wetlands, lakes, our eyes/their eyes, and animal homes. Other exhibit topics will include the house history, bird observation, and Volney Rogers.

WICK RECREATION CENTER
- Total Project Cost: $1,300,000
- Funding: Mill Creek MetroParks General Fund for Capital Improvement
- Completion Date: September 2024
- Project Scope: Rehabilitation of the existing Wick Recreation Area warming house into multi-functional public spaces including a reservable community room, restroom, concessions, a retail team shop and Recreation offices. Items of construction included demolition, replacement and upgrades to site utilities, site grading with new grass lawn areas and landscape beds, exterior concrete walks, a sandstone wall and plant-lined patio space with table and chairs. Interior upgrades included new restroom finishes and furnishings, improved ceiling, wall, and flooring treatment, upgraded security measures, improved public accessibility and public spaces, improved concession services, and new furnishings.

EAST PARK HIKE & BIKE TRAIL DEVELOPMENT
- Total Project Cost: $186,000
- Completion Date: July 2023
- 80% ($136,000) funded by ODOT through the Transportation Alternates Program (TAP) funds and the remaining 20% ($34,000) will be provided by the MetroParks.
- Anticipated Completion Date: June 2023
- Located in Mill Creek Park parallel to East Park Drive about 0.15-miles north of Canfield Road (US-62). Construction includes grading and excavation, placement of aggregate base, installation of asphalt courses, berming, seeding, and mulching.
- This project completed the 0.5 mile East Park Hike & Bike Trail, as well as the 7-mile bike/pedestrian facility in Mill Creek Park between US-224 and the Ford Nature Center.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS PRESENTATIONS

2023 Capital Improvement Project Presentation