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.

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.

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.

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.

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.