CLOSURES IN & AROUND MILL CREEK METROPARKS

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

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Mill Creek MetroParks welcomes the return of the Youngstown Marathon Foundation’s Sole to City Half-Marathon on Sunday, May 31, 2026! 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 (including parking lots at Shields Road and SR 224)
East Newport Hike & Bike Trail
East Newport Drive
Kreider’s Entrance
Old Mill Drive
Chestnut Hill Drive
High Drive
West Cohasset Drive
Valley Drive
East Park Drive (including parking lots)
East Park Hike & Bike Trail
East Cohasset Hike & Bike Trail
Robinson Hill Drive
Memorial Hill Drive
East Glacier Drive
Lanterman’s Mill

Limited Access Areas:

Ford Nature Center will only be accessible via Volney Road from Glenwood Avenue.
Lily Pond will only be accessible via the McCollum Road entrance onto Birch Hill Drive.
Lake Newport Wetlands will only be accessible via the Sheban Drive entrance to West Newport Drive.

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 Welcomes Runners for Annual Distance Classic: Temporary Road Closures

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Mill Creek MetroParks will host the Youngstown Road Runners Club Mill Creek Distance Classic Half Marathon and 5 Mile Run on Sunday, March 22, 2026. To ensure the safety of participants and spectators, the following will be temporarily closed to vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Roads & Facilities Affected:

  • West Newport Drive
  • Old Mill Drive
  • Kreider’s Entrance
  • East Newport Drive
  • Memorial Hill Drive
  • Robinson Hill Drive
  • East Cohasset Hike & Bike Trail
  • East Park Hike & Bike Trail
  • East Park Drive
  • Chestnut Hill Drive
  • Valley Drive
  • High Drive
  • West Cohasset Drive
  • West Park Drive
  • New Cross Drive
  • Cross Drive
  • Bears Den Drive

Limited Access Areas:

Access to Ford Nature Center will only be available via Volney Road from Glenwood Avenue during the race. Access to the Lily Pond will only be available via the McCollum Road entrance onto Birch Hill Drive.

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.

Improvement Project Beginning at George L. Fordyce Park

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An improvement project at George L. Fordyce Park, formerly Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, located along W. Calla Road in Beaver Township, will begin on Monday, December 22, 2025. The project is designed to enhance public access, improve safety, and elevate the overall visitor experience.

Project work will include construction of a new aggregate parking area, as well as improvements to the existing trail network and current parking area. During construction all parking areas, the observation platform, and access points will be closed and inaccessible to the public and permit holders. The project is expected to be completed within approximately thirty (30) days.

This improvement project is funded at 75% through a successful Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) Clean Ohio Conservation Fund application.

Seasonal Road Closures in Mill Creek Park

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Effective Monday, December 1, 2025, several roads within Mill Creek Park will close 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)

During the seasonal closure, these roads remain open for recreational use, including hiking, cross-country skiing, and sledding. In addition to creating unique winter recreation opportunities, these closures provide important operational and environmental benefits, such as reducing snow and ice removal costs and minimizing the environmental impact of deicing salt.

All roads will reopen in the spring as weather and conditions allow.

Winter driving can be challenging as snow and ice create slippery surfaces. Roads with limited shoulders, steep grades, and a lack of guardrails can become particularly hazardous. Mill Creek MetroParks encourages all motorists to use caution when traveling on MetroParks roadways during winter months.

MetroParks Bikeway Improvements Scheduled for November 7

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Mill Creek MetroParks will be performing asphalt maintenance on a section of the MetroParks Bikeway on Friday, November 7, 2025. The maintenance work will take place between Herbert Road and Kirk Road to ensure a smooth and safe riding surface for all trail users.

During this time, the affected portion of the Bikeway will be temporarily closed for the duration of the project. The Kirk Road Trailhead will remain open for parking and continued access to other sections of the Bikeway.

This maintenance project is expected to be completed within one day, weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, work will be rescheduled to the next suitable day.

Temporary Mill Creek MetroParks Bikeway Closure in Canfield

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A section of the Mill Creek MetroParks Bikeway between West Main Street (US 224) and Herbert Road in the City of Canfield is scheduled to be closed on Thursday, October 23, 2025. In addition, spur trails connecting Canfield High School and The Preserve to the Bikeway will be inaccessible throughout the project.

Closure of this bikeway section is due to additional soil sampling to be conducted by August Mack Environmental, Inc., at various locations within and adjacent to Mill Creek MetroParks’ property. The soil samples are a continuation of the required testing and remediation response to the Material Sciences Corporation chemical spill and subsequent soil contamination.

Closure is anticipated to begin by 8:30am and extend into late afternoon. The Bikeway will be reopened upon completion of the project. Inclement weather conditions may alter the project schedule or delay reopening of the Bikeway.

Temporary Closures in Mill Creek Park for the Youngstown Peace Race

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Mill Creek MetroParks is proud to once again host a portion of the Youngstown Peace Race on Sunday, October 12, 2025. In order to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for runners and spectators, the following will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic, cyclists, pedestrians, and the public from approximately 6:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.:

  • West Glacier Drive
  • West Park Drive
  • West Cohasset Drive
  • High Drive
  • Valley Drive
  • East Park Drive
  • Chestnut Hill Drive
  • West Newport Drive
  • Old Mill Drive
  • East Newport Drive
  • Kreider’s Entrance
    • Lanterman’s Mill

Access to Fellows Riverside Gardens will be available only through McKinley Avenue. Ford Nature Center will not be accessible via Old Furnace Road; however, all other routes to Ford Nature Center will remain open.

Mill Creek MetroParks to Host Cross Country Event on September 27

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Mill Creek MetroParks will host the Youngstown State University Invitational Cross Country Meet on The Gorby Family Championship Cross Country Course at the MetroParks Farm on Saturday, September 27, 2025. This exciting event will bring athletes, families, and supporters together for a day of outdoor activity and healthy competition.

To ensure the safety of participants and spectators, several MetroParks Farm facilities will be temporarily closed from dawn until mid-afternoon on the day of the event. These include:

  • Education Building
  • 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 personnel and spectators.

All facilities will reopen to the public in the afternoon following the conclusion of the event. Mill Creek MetroParks thanks visitors for their cooperation and encourages the community to come cheer on the athletes or plan their visit for later in the day.

Mill Creek MetroParks to Host Cross Country Event on September 20

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Mill Creek MetroParks is proud to share that The Gorby Family Championship Cross Country Course at the MetroParks Farm will host the Youngstown State University Invitational Cross Country Meet on Saturday, September 20, 2025. This exciting event will bring athletes, families, and supporters together for a day of outdoor activity and healthy competition.

To ensure the safety of participants and spectators, several MetroParks Farm facilities will be temporarily closed from dawn until mid-afternoon on the day of the event. These include:

  • Education Building
  • 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 personnel and private rentals.

All facilities will reopen to the public in the afternoon following the conclusion of the event. Mill Creek MetroParks thanks visitors for their cooperation and encourages the community to come cheer on the athletes or plan their visit for later in the day.

Closures Scheduled in Mill Creek Park for Panerathon 2025 Event

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On Sunday, August 24, 2025, Mill Creek MetroParks will welcome the annual Panerathon 10K and 2-Mile Walk/Run, an inspiring community event that brings together thousands of participants. To safely accommodate the race, the following roads within the MetroParks will be closed to all vehicular, cyclist, and pedestrian traffic from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.:

  • Fellows Drive
  • Calvary Run Drive
  • Price Road
  • West Glacier Drive
  • Slippery Rock Bridge
  • West Park Drive
  • Birch Hill Drive

Access to Fellows Riverside Gardens will be available via McKinley Avenue only. Lake Glacier Boathouse will be closed.

The MetroParks is proud to host this impactful event that promotes wellness, brings the community together, and raises funds for the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center. We encourage park visitors to plan ahead and consider alternative routes or park destinations during this time.