CLOSURES IN & AROUND MILL CREEK METROPARKS

MetroParks Bikeway Section to Temporarily Close for Cross Country Event

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A section of the MetroParks Bikeway will be temporarily closed to the general public on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 as the Gorby Family Championship Cross Country Course at the MetroParks Farm hosts a high school and middle school cross country event.

Beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, the section of the MetroParks Bikeway that runs through the MetroParks Farm between U.S. 446 and Leffingwell Road, along with the Farm Spur Trail, will be closed to bikeway and trail users.

The MetroParks Bikeway and Farm Spur Trail will reopen Tuesday evening upon completion of the cross country event.

Bikeway users are encouraged to access the MetroParks Bikeway at other trailhead and spur trail locations during the temporary closure. Visitors are also asked to avoid parking at the MetroParks Farm during the event.

Section of MetroParks Bikeway to Close for Improvements and Resurfacing

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Mill Creek MetroParks will temporarily close a section of the MetroParks Bikeway beginning Monday, September 14, 2026, to allow for improvements and resurfacing.

The MetroParks Bikeway will be closed from Silica Road to County Line Road as well as access to the Bikeway at Ohltown Road and Webb Road for the duration of the project.

The improvement project will help maintain and enhance the trail for future use and will include milling of the existing asphalt surface, installation of a new asphalt overlay, placement of topsoil along the shoulders, and installation of compacted aggregate along the shoulders.

Work is anticipated to be completed within one week, weather and site conditions permitting. Inclement weather or unforeseen conditions may delay the anticipated project schedule.

Smythe Island and Davies Wetland Trail Reopens

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After weeks of cleanup from the July 5, 2026, tornado and storm that directly impacted the southern section of Mill Creek Park, Smythe Island and the Davies Wetland Trail at Newport Wetlands have reopened for public use. MetroParks personnel worked diligently to address fallen and damaged trees that impacted the island, picnic areas, hiking trail, and boardwalk trail throughout this section of the Newport Wetlands.

Reopening of Smythe Island marks the completion of storm cleanup in Mill Creek Park north of Shields Road. Park patrons are reminded to stay on designated trails throughout this and all areas of Mill Creek Park.

East Golf Hike & Bike Trail Reopens

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After weeks of cleanup from the July 5, 2026, tornado and storm that directly impacted the southern section of Mill Creek Park, East Golf Hike & Bike Trail has reopened for public use. MetroParks personnel worked diligently to address fallen and damaged trees that impacted the hike & bike trail, parking lots, picnic areas, and connecting neighborhood trails between US Route 224 and Shields Road.

Park patrons are reminded to stay on the East Golf Hike & Bike Trail when accessing this area of Mill Creek Park. The Fording Bridge (overflow lot) spur trail, West Golf Drive, and the Mill Creek Golf Course remain closed to all park patrons, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists, until further notice. Please respect the posted closure signage for your safety and the safety of others.

Closures Scheduled in Mill Creek Park for Panerathon 2026 Event

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On Sunday, August 23, 2026, 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, drives, and facilities within the MetroParks will be closed to all visitors, vehicular, cyclist, and pedestrian traffic from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.:

  • Volney Rogers Recreation Area
  • East Glacier Drive
  • Memorial Hill Drive
  • Robinson Hill Drive
  • Old Furnace Road (along Pioneer Pavilion)
  • East Cohasset Hike & Bike Trail

Access to Ford Nature Center will be available via Glenwood Avenue via Volney Road.

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.

Temporary Closures Due to Storm Damage

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09/01/26: Smythe Island and Davies Wetland Trail is Now Open. After weeks of cleanup from the July 5, 2026, tornado and storm that directly impacted the southern section of Mill Creek Park, Smythe Island and the Davies Wetland Trail at Newport Wetlands have reopened for public use. MetroParks personnel worked diligently to address fallen and damaged trees that impacted the island, picnic areas, hiking trail, and boardwalk trail throughout this section of the Newport Wetlands. Reopening of Smythe Island marks the completion of storm cleanup in Mill Creek Park north of Shields Road. Park patrons are reminded to stay on designated trails throughout this and all areas of Mill Creek Park.

08/24/26: East Golf Hike & Bike is Now Open. After weeks of cleanup from the July 5, 2026, tornado and storm that directly impacted the southern section of Mill Creek Park, East Golf Hike & Bike Trail has reopened for public use. MetroParks personnel worked diligently to address fallen and damaged trees that impacted the hike & bike trail, parking lots, picnic areas, and connecting neighborhood trails between US Route 224 and Shields Road. Park patrons are reminded to stay on the East Golf Hike & Bike Trail when accessing this area of Mill Creek Park. The Fording Bridge (overflow lot) spur trail, West Golf Drive, and the Mill Creek Golf Course remain closed to all park patrons, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists, until further notice. Please respect the posted closure signage for your safety and the safety of others.

8/6/26: West Golf Drive from Shields Road to Stitt Pavilion is NOW OPEN. Stitt Pavilion and the Recreation Field are also open and accessible to visitors. The Mill Creek Golf Course, East Golf Hike & Bike Trail and West Golf Drive from Stitt Pavilion to Rt. 224 will remain closed until further notice. Please respect the posted closure signage for your safety and the safety of others.

7/20/26: West Newport Drive is NOW OPEN.

7/20/26: West Newport Drive will close Monday, July 20 for storm clean up. The drive will reopen by the end of the day.

7/16/26: West Newport Drive will close on Thursday July 16, to continue backyard tree cleanup related to the recent storm damage. The road will be closed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 17 to allow crews to safely complete the work.

7/15/26: West Newport Drive will reopen Wednesday, July 15 at 4 p.m. However, crews will need to close the road again on Thursday July 16, to continue backyard tree cleanup related to the recent storm damage. The road will be closed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 16 to allow crews to safely complete the work.

7/14/26: West Newport Drive Closure – West Newport Drive will be closed on Wednesday, July 15 while crews perform backyard tree work. The closure is expected to remain in effect throughout the day. Once the work is complete and the area is safe, the road will reopen by the end of the day.

7/9/26: E NEWPORT DR. IS NOW OPEN.

7/7/26: W. NEWPORT DR. IS NOW OPEN.

7/6/26: Due to damage from the July 5th storms, the following areas are closed until further notice:
  • Mill Creek Golf Course
  • W. Golf Dr.
  • East Golf Hike & Bike Trail
  • UPDATE (7/9/26): Smythe Island/Wetlands Area
Please avoid these areas and take alternate routes while crews assess the damage and complete cleanup efforts. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to safely reopen these locations.

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.