CLOSURES IN & AROUND MILL CREEK METROPARKS

High Drive and Bears Den Drive to Undergo Roadway Improvements in Mill Creek Park

/in , /by

Mill Creek MetroParks is pleased to announce two of its scenic drives—High Drive and Bears Den Drive—will soon be receiving important infrastructure upgrades to enhance safety and visitor experience. Beginning Wednesday, June 11, 2025, these roads will be temporarily closed for resurfacing and related improvements.

The project includes the installation of a new asphalt surface, fresh pavement markings, and aggregate shoulders, designed to improve durability and accessibility for all visitors.

The anticipated duration of the project is approximately three weeks, weather permitting. During this time, access to Scholl Pavilion and Chestnut Hill Drive will vary, depending on the phase of construction.

MetroParks Bikeway Section to Receive Surface Improvements

/in , /by

Mill Creek MetroParks is pleased to announce upcoming improvements to a section of the MetroParks Bikeway from New Road to Silica Road, including the Mahoning Avenue Bridge. This highly used segment will be temporarily closed beginning Monday, June 9, 2025, to allow for the installation of a new asphalt surface.

The project is part of the MetroParks’ ongoing commitment to enhancing visitor experiences and ensuring the long-term safety, accessibility, and enjoyment of the Bikeway for all users. Construction is expected to last approximately three weeks, pending weather conditions.

During this time, the section from New Road to Silica Road will be completely inaccessible, including the Mahoning Avenue Bridge. Park visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and use alternate portions of the MetroParks Bikeway or other park trails during the closure.

Mill Creek MetroParks Welcomes Runners for Youngstown Marathon-Temporary Road and Facility Closures

/in , /by

Mill Creek MetroParks welcomes the return of the Youngstown Marathon Foundation’s Sole to City Half-Marathon and 2-Mile Run on Sunday, June 1, 2025! This annual event brings together runners from near and far to experience the park’s scenic beauty while promoting health, wellness, and community spirit.

To ensure the safety of participants and spectators, some roads and facilities will be temporarily closed to vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Roads & Facilities Affected:

East Golf Hike & Bike Trail

East Newport Hike & Bike Trail

East Newport Drive

Kreider’s Entrance (to East Newport Drive)

Kiwatha Road (to East Newport Drive)

East Park Drive

Valley Drive (after The Flats toward Lanterman’s Mill)

West Cohasset Drive

Old Furnace Road (between West Cohasset Drive and Ford Nature Center)

New Cross Drive

Cross Drive

Bears Den Road

West Park Drive

Birch Hill Drive

East Park Hike & Bike Trail

East Cohasset Hike & Bike Trail

Robinson Hill Drive

Memorial Hill Drive (heading to Slippery Rock Bridge)

West Glacier Drive

Price Road

Calvary Run Drive

Fellows Drive

Lanterman’s Mill

 

Limited Access Areas:

Ford Nature Center will only be accessible via Volney Road from Glenwood Avenue.

Trail access to Robinson Hill Drive (near Ford Nature Center) will be closed.

Fellows Riverside Gardens will only be accessible via McKinley Avenue.

The Flats will remain open with access available via High Drive.

We appreciate the public’s support in making this race a success! Whether you’re running, cheering, or enjoying the park later in the day, we thank you for your cooperation and encourage everyone to celebrate this exciting tradition.

As always, we remind drivers to use caution on MetroParks roads, as they are shared with pedestrians and cyclists. Likewise, pedestrians and cyclists should remain aware of vehicular traffic for a safe and enjoyable park experience.

MetroParks Farm North Parking Lot to Receive Upgrades

/in , /by

Exciting improvements are coming to the MetroParks Farm! Beginning Thursday, May 29, 2025, the north parking lot at 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road will be temporarily closed as part of a project to enhance visitor safety, accessibility, and overall aesthetics.

The upgrade includes new asphalt paving and concrete curbing, creating a smoother, safer, and more welcoming parking experience for visitors. The project is expected to take approximately five weeks to complete, weather permitting.

As part of the project, the Green Team recycling area located in the north lot will also be closed during construction.

We appreciate your patience as we work to enhance the overall visitor experience and are pleased to share that all other facilities will remain open and fully accessible throughout the duration of the project.

Open facilities include:

  • MetroParks Bikeway and Bikeway Trailhead
  • South Parking Lot
  • McMahon Hall
  • Administration Office and Education Building
  • Animal Barns
  • Disc Golf Courses
  • Cross Country Course

MetroParks Bikeway Maintenance

/in , /by

As part of ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all users, Mill Creek MetroParks will be conducting maintenance on sections of the MetroParks Bikeway beginning Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

 

To facilitate this important work, the Bikeway will be temporarily closed between Western Reserve Road and State Route 446 in Canfield Township. Additionally, the Bikeway spur trail at the MetroParks Farm will be closed to both bicyclists and pedestrians during the maintenance period.

 

This project is expected to be completed within one day, minimizing disruption while allowing for essential improvements. Please note that weather conditions may affect scheduling and completion timelines.

Mill Creek MetroParks Welcomes Runners for Annual Distance Classic Temporary Road and Facility Closures

/in , /by

Mill Creek MetroParks is excited to host the Youngstown Road Runners Club Mill Creek Distance Classic Half Marathon and 5 Mile Run on Sunday, March 23, 2025! This annual event brings together runners from near and far to experience the park’s scenic beauty while promoting health, wellness, and community spirit.

To ensure the safety of participants and spectators, some roads and facilities will be temporarily closed to vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Roads & Facilities Affected:

  • Bears Den Road
  • New Cross Drive
  • West Park Drive
  • West Cohasset Drive
  • High Drive
  • Chestnut Hill Drive
  • East Park Drive
  • Valley Drive
  • East Park Hike & Bike Trail
  • East Cohasset Hike & Bike Trail
  • Robinson Hill Drive
  • Memorial Hill Drive (heading to Slippery Rock Bridge)
  • West Glacier Drive
  • Wick Recreation Area Tennis Courts and Dek Hockey Rink

Limited Access Areas:

Ford Nature Center will only be accessible via Volney Road from Glenwood Avenue.

Lily Pond and Birch Hill Cabin will only be accessible via the McCollum Road entrance to Birch Hill Drive.

Trail access to Robinson Hill Drive (near Ford Nature Center) and West Glacier Drive (near the Lily Pond) will be closed during the event.

We appreciate the public’s support in making this race a success! Whether you’re running, cheering, or enjoying the park later in the day, we thank you for your cooperation and encourage everyone to celebrate this exciting tradition.

As always, we remind drivers to use caution on MetroParks roads, as they are shared with pedestrians and cyclists. Likewise, pedestrians and cyclists should remain aware of vehicular traffic for a safe and enjoyable park experience.

Mill Creek MetroParks Winter Road Closures

/in , /by

Effective Friday, December 6, 2024 the following roads in Mill Creek Park will be closed to vehicular traffic for the winter season:

  • High Drive, between Chestnut Hill Drive and West Cohasset Drive
  • Chestnut Hill Drive, between Canfield Road and High Drive
  • Calvary Run Drive, between Belle Vista Avenue and Milton Avenue

When closed to vehicular traffic, these roads are available for recreational use for hiking, cross country skiing and sledding. Aside from recreational opportunities, benefits of winter road closures include cost savings associated with snow/ice removal as well as a reduction of negative environmental impacts from deicing salt. All roads will reopen in the spring when the weather permits.

In the winter months, snow and ice can create slippery roadway conditions. Roads with limited shoulders, lack of guardrails and steep grades can become increasingly hazardous for motorists. Always use caution when driving on MetroParks roads.

Closures for Youngstown Peace Race

/in , /by

The following will be closed to vehicular traffic, cyclists, pedestrians, and public from approximately 6:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 6, 2024, for the Youngstown Peace Race:

Tod Avenue
Weaver Road
Price Road
Calvary Run Drive
Milton Ave. (at Calvary Run Drive intersection)
West Glacier Drive
West Drive
West Cohasset Drive
Cascade Road (High Drive)
Valley Drive (entrance at E. Park Drive)
East Park Drive
Chestnut Hill Drive
West Newport Drive
Old Mill Drive
Lanterman’s Mill
East Newport Drive
Kreider’s Entrance

Always use caution when driving on park 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 MetroParks Closures for Cross Country Event

/in , /by

A cross country event will be hosted at the MetroParks Farm on Saturday, September 21, 2024. During the event, public access to the following MetroParks Farm facilities will be prohibited from dawn to mid-afternoon:

MetroParks Bikeway (closed between Leffingwell Road and Route 446)

MetroParks Farm Parking Lot

MetroParks Farm Bikeway Spur Trail

Disc Golf Courses

Mindy Henning Hiking Trail

Animal Barns

Archery Range

Natural Playground

Recycling Area

Parking lot access will be maintained for cross country event related personnel and private rentals only.

Mill Creek MetroParks Closures

/in , /by

The following will be closed to vehicular traffic, cyclists, pedestrians, and public from approximately 6:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., on Sunday, September 22, 2024, for the Youngstown Half Marathon and Relay, 5K, and Kids Fun Run:

East Cohasset Drive

Cascade Road

West Valley Drive

East Park Drive

Old Mill Drive

East Newport Drive

Kreider’s Entrance

West Newport Drive

East Golf Drive & parking areas both at Route 224 and Shields Road

West Golf Drive from the Mill Creek Golf Course Parking Lot north to Shields Road

Lanterman’s Mill

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.