Mill Creek Golf Course is Open
Mill Creek Golf Course is open!
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OUTSIDE MEDIA COVERAGE OF MILL CREEK METROPARKS
‘Tee it up:’ Golfers return to Mill Creek Golf Course
The longer days show you it’s spring, and you’ll see another sign this week when golfers return to Mill Creek Golf Course starting Wednesday.
Some final preparation work was being done around the course on Tuesday — a grass cutting, the golf carts were gassed up and the pro shop cleaned up.
The North Course opens at 9 a.m. and the first golfers will go out at 10 a.m.
The tee sheet is filling up. It will be the 94th year of golf at the park’s courses, which opened in 1928.
“I’m super excited just for the fact that we get to play golf again. It’s been a long winter this past offseason with a lot of snow, so I know a lot of people will have that itch to come out and cabin fever to go tee it up, and we’re certainly super happy to be able to give them a venue this spring,” said PGA Director fo Golf Brian Tolnar.
The Par-3 Golf Course opens Friday, and the South Course opens on April 11.
Read the original article at WKBN
Mill Creek MetroParks acquires land in Smith Twp.
The Mill Creek MetroParks is expanding after acquiring 161 acres of land in Smith Township.
The MetroParks now owns Hawkins Marsh, which is located on W. Western Reserve Road.
“The property is of interest because of the 161 acres. Nearly 80 acres of that are forested wetlands which are category three wetlands which are high quality,” said Executive Director of Mill Creek Metroparks Aaron Young.
Young said it was the perfect opportunity to preserve unique habitats while serving a previously under-served area.
The MetroParks partnered with West Creek Conservancy in the acquisition of the property, and Young said in this instance it was very cost-effective with about 75% of the funding coming through the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund.
“But the balance — the 24% — was made available through a bargain sale, so this is an acquisition where zero tax dollars were expended,” said Young.
Young said development of the parcel of land is going to be limited due to what’s supported by the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund.
There will be no active recreation on the property. Rather it’ll be geared toward passive recreation activities like hiking, walking and birdwatching.
oung said they’re currently working on an application for another round of funding to potentially fund those improvements.
As for when the project will be complete, that will depend on the funding application.
Young said he wouldn’t expect any development of the parcel until 2023 or later.
“Any chance we can get to serve individuals or a community that we didn’t have a presence in before is a day to celebrate and today is that day,” said Young.
Mill Creek MetroParks now contains more than 5,000 acres of land, with the addition of the Hawkins Marsh area.
Read the original article at WKBN
Mill Creek Metroparks acquire 161-acre wetland in SW Mahoning County
Mill Creek Metroparks has increased its footprint to more than 5,000 acres following the purchase of 161 acres of land in the southwestern part of Mahoning County.
Park officials announced on Tuesday that they have acquired land in Smith Township on West Western Reserve Road, known as Hawkins Marsh.
The property, which consists of a variety of unique natural habitats including wetlands, was obtained through a partnership with the West Creek Conservancy to acquire an $843,800 grant from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund.
“The acquisition of this unique property is another step forward in the mission of the MetroParks serving the needs of all of Mahoning County,” said MetroParks Executive Director, Aaron Young.
Under parameters set by the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, future development of the land will be limited to passive recreation such as wildlife observation, walking, or other activities to ensure the least impact on the wetland.
Read the original article at WFMJ
Mill Creek MetroParks acquires 161 acres in Smith Township
Mill Creek MetroParks has acquired 161 acres on West Western Reserve Road in Smith Township. The MetroParks partnered with West Creek Conservancy to acquire the land, known as Hawkins Marsh, with funds obtained through the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, which provided $843,800 of the $1.1 million cost. The remaining $299,730 came in the form of a bargain sale, a news release states. The land consists of “unique natural habitats,” including wetlands, the release states. Recreational opportunities are being planned for the property.
“Once again, we are thrilled to be able to announce this most recent acquisition thanks to the dedicated efforts of MetroParks staff, our partners at West Creek Conservancy and financial support from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund,” Aaron Young, executive director of Mill Creek MetroParks, said in the release. “The acquisition of this unique property is another step forward in the mission of the MetroParks serving the needs of all of Mahoning County,” Young said.
Read the original article at Mahoning Matters
Volunteers needed: Plans set for 40th annual Earth Day cleanup at Mill Creek MetroParks
About 150 Boy Scouts from the Youngstown area are pitching in to clear litter and winter debris from the Mill Creek MetroParks, in recognition of Earth Day on April 22. But with more than 40 MetroParks locations in the area, they’ll need some help, according to a Thursday news release from the Boy Scouts of America Great Trail Council. The 40th Annual Mill Creek MetroParks Earth Day Cleanup is set for 9 a.m. to noon April 23 — rain or shine — throughout the MetroParks. Coordinators are expected to retrieve supplies from the Wick Recreation Area’s Bresko Pavilion, 1861 McCollum Road, before meeting with teams around the MetroParks.
More volunteer help is needed along the MetroParks’ shorelines and creeks, the release states. Cleanup efforts will be focused around Mill Creek Park, Yellow Creek Park and the MetroParks Farm. “In 39 years, more than 13,000 participants have volunteered more than 40,000 hours to clean various areas of the MetroParks,” the news release states. “Just in the past 20 years, more than 23,000 bags of trash and 1,500 bags of recyclables along with numerous loose items such as tires, toys, furniture, pipes, wood crates, electronic items and even the proverbial kitchen sink, have been removed. Each year, there are fewer bags of trash but more bags of recyclables.”
The Mahoning County Green Team’s recycling division is expected to provide supplies like trash and recycling bags, gloves and reacher tools. For more information or to sign up yourself or your church group, school, business or family to volunteer, click here to email cleanup chairman Mike Kupec, or call 330-519-3988 by April 11.
Read the original article at Mahoning Matters.
Mill Creek MetroParks clearing half of bikeway for winter walkers
Mill Creek MetroParks is making it a little easier for winter walkers on the bikeway.
They are plowing half of the bike trail between Metro Parks Farm and the Mahoning Avenue Park and Ride facility.
While one side will be cleared for walkers, the other side will remain snow-covered for cross country skiers that frequent the trail.
“Our hope is certainly that more people will get out during the winter months. When you’ve got the amount of snow that we have it can make it difficult but our efforts are to balance the bikeway for as many users as possible,” Mill Creek Metroparks Director Aaron Young told 21 News.
Young says the decision to plow half of the bikeway is being made to keep the MetroParks an appealing destination over all four seasons.
This is the first year the MetroParks will attempt to create a hybrid bike path during the winter season.
View original article at WFMJ.
MILL CREEK METROPARKS LAUNCHES YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Registration is open right now.
Watch the video at WFMJ.
PGA Members Tom Wildenhaus, Jamie Mulligan and Joe Assell Lead PGA of America National Awards Class
13 Award Winners Unveiled at PGA Show Opening Ceremonies
ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — PGA Golf Professional of the Year Tom Wildenhaus, PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year Jamie Mulligan and PGA Golf Executive of the Year Joe Assell headline the PGA of America’s National Awards for 2021.
The 13 winners were unveiled during the 2022 PGA Show’s Opening Ceremony today at the Orange County Convention Center.
“This year’s outstanding class of National Awards recipients are inspiring those involved with the game of golf and the advancement of PGA Professionals throughout our industry,” said PGA President Jim Richerson. “The PGA of America is proud to recognize their accomplishments, as they reflect the incredible expertise and talent throughout our Association. From nearly 28,000 PGA Professionals, these 13 recipients are at the forefront, reflecting a standard of success for all of us to emulate and admire.”
2021 PGA of America National Awards Recipients
- PGA Golf Professional of the Year
Tom Wildenhaus, PGA – Olde Florida Golf Club – Naples, Fla. - PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year
Jamie Mulligan, PGA – Virginia Country Club – Long Beach, Calif. - PGA Golf Executive of the Year
Joe Assell, PGA – GOLFTEC – Englewood, Colo. - Bill Strausbaugh Award
Tim Beckwith, PGA (posthumous) – Sarasota National Golf Club – Sarasota, Fla. - PGA Professional Development Award
Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA – Sam Houston State PGA Golf Management University Program –
Huntsville, Texas - Deacon Palmer Award
Bryan DeMarco, PGA – Pine Barrens Golf Club – Jackson, N.J. - Patriot Award
Joe Grohman, PGA – Old Ranch Country Club/PGA Hope National Trainer – Seal Beach, Calif. - PGA Player Development Award
Thomas Yost, PGA – First Tee – Four Corners – Kirtland, N.M. - PGA Youth Player Development Award
Andrew Miller, PGA – LedgeRock Golf Club – Mohnton, Pa. - Herb Graffis Award
Carolinas PGA Section - PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Category
Caroline Basarab, PGA – Reynolds Lake Oconee – Greensboro, Ga. - PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Public Category
Brian Tolnar, PGA – Mill Creek Park Golf Course – Canfield, Ohio - PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category
Ian Brown, PGA – Butterfield Country Club – Oakbrook, Ill.
For bios and information on all of the PGA of America National Award winners, click here.
Tom Wildenhaus, PGA, the Director of Golf at Olde Florida Golf Club in Naples, Florida, earned the 2021 PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award. This is the highest annual honor given to a PGA of America Professional, awarded for leadership, strong moral character and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf.
Wildenhaus’ involvement in PGA of America governance began in the South Florida PGA Section’s Southwest Chapter in 1994, where he served as Education Chairperson prior to serving on the Chapter’s Board of Directors. He also served on the South Florida PGA Section Board of Directors (1999-2007). He was elected Section Secretary (1999-2001), followed by his election to Section Vice President (2001-2003), and eventually his election to Section President (2005-2007). He was also elected President of the South Florida PGA Foundation in 2010, and still holds that position today. At the national level, Wildenhaus served on the PGA of America Public Relations Committee (2010-2012), and was appointed to the Board of Control (2015-2019).
Jamie Mulligan, PGA, a Southern California PGA Section Member and Chief Executive Officer of Virginia Country Club in Long Beach, California for the past 20 years, is the 2021 PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year for his “outstanding services as a golf teacher, innovator and coach.”
Featured regularly as one of GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers and one of Golf Digest’s Best Teachers, Mulligan was among the first instructors to study the swing’s biomechanics in the 1980s. His self-developed culture of coaching is based on efficiency of movement, as he recognizes the physical and mental capability of each student and leverages their attributes to help them reach their full potential. Mulligan’s students have captured hundreds of professional victories across every major tour, highlighted by Patrick Cantlay, John Cook, Melissa “Mo” Martin, Amy Alcott, Jessica Korda, Nelly Korda, Paul Goydos, Kevin Na, Bill Haas and Max Homa, among many others.
Joe Assell, PGA, a Colorado PGA Section Member and the President & Chief Executive Officer of GOLFTEC in Englewood, Colorado, is the 2021 PGA Golf Executive of the Year. The honor recognizes outstanding services in an executive management position, as well as leadership, vision, courage, moral character and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game.
Assell co-founded GOLFTEC in 1995, with a mission to help people play better golf by equipping
PGA Teaching Professionals with emerging technology designed to deliver a better lesson.
The company has given more than 12 million golf lessons, including over 1.5 million lessons in the last year across 220 locations in six countries. GOLFTEC has positively impacted hundreds of thousands of golfers, and with more than 600 PGA Professionals on staff today, the company is one of the largest employers of PGA Members.
Last month, the PGA of America announced Larkin Gross, PGA as the 2021 PGA Professional Player of the Year; Taylor Collins, PGA as 2021 Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year; and Bob Sowards, PGA as the Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year presented by Rolex.
For bios of the 2022 National Awards recipients, click here.
The 2021 PGA of America National Awards are scheduled to be presented on Nov. 1, as part of the 2022 PGA Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Herb Graffis Award will be presented during the Annual Meeting content that week as well.
Read the original article at Yahoo.
Mill Creek MetroParks head golf professional Brian Tolnar wins PGA of America award
Mill Creek MetroParks head golf professional Brian Tolnar has been named the PGA Merchandiser of the Year — Public Category by the Professional Golfers Association of America. Tolnar, a member of the Northern Ohio Section of the PGA since 2015, was recognized Wednesday during the opening ceremonies of the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida. This is the sixth time a Northern Ohio Section member has been selected for one of PGA of America’s top awards, a news release states.
The Merchandiser of the Year Award recognizes PGA professionals who have excelled as business persons/merchandisers in the promotion of golf, according to the PGA’s website. A native of Hubbard, Tolnar returned to northeast Ohio in 2015 after a 12-year stay at two courses near Rochester, New York. He attended Youngstown State University and the PGA Professional Golf Management University program in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Tolnar oversees Mill Creek’s North and South courses, as well as an adjacent 18-hole, par-3 course. He is a three-time winner of the Northern Ohio Section of the PGA’s Merchandiser of the Year Award. “Anytime you have the opportunity to win one of these prestigious awards, it’s a total honor, whether at the section level or especially the national level,” Tolnar said in the release. “It’s a career changing opportunity professionally and a game changer for our golf operation at the Mill Creek MetroParks.”
Read the original article at Mahoning Matters.