OUTSIDE MEDIA COVERAGE OF MILL CREEK METROPARKS

Earth Day tradition bringing new trees to Mill Creek MetroParks

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When driving through Mill Creek MetroParks, you may notice white tubes sticking out of the ground. Inside each tube is a growing tree, which was planted for Earth day.

Around 25 volunteers First Energy helped plant 400 donated trees. There were a variety of trees and shrubs planted, including american holly, maple, red buds and lowering dogwood.

“This was a continuation of a partnership that we’ve had with first energy for 5 years now,” said Nick Derico, natural resources manager for Mill Creek MetroParks. “[This is the] first time we actually got to plant in Mill Creek Park proper. Just because we’ve been working on this naturalization of the Bears Den Meadow.”

In that timespan, over 1,500 trees were planted in Mill Creek MetroParks, and over 5,000 trees were planted across the valley. This includes the Collier Preserve, Youngstown State Legacy Forest and the Metroparks Farm in Canfield.

“Part of that initiative started with partnering with the Mill Creek Metroparks to plant trees in areas that needed fresh trees due to deforestation, and loss of trees over the years due to storms, or just getting cut down,” said Lauren Siburkis, spokesperson for First Energy.

The tubes around the trees protect the trees from wildlife, promote growth by attracting heat and serve as markers for park crews.

The tubes will remain around the growing trees for around five years. Derico said without the tubes, the trees would likely be gone within days.

“They protect the tree from browsing from herbivores like deer, rabbits, things of that sort. You know, inside here, the trees are really small. They’re only 12 to 18 inches so they’re going to need some protection, some time to grow,” said Derico. “In high numbers, deer can affect forest generation and we are seeing that a lot throughout the Metroparks. So, these are all native species that would be pretty preferable to deer.”

Mill Creek MetroParks was established over 100 years ago, making some of the trees over a century old. This has also led to a need for new trees.

“We do have a very mature canopy with not a lot of regeneration coming up behind it. And so, anything that we can do to help that along is a good thing,” said Derico.

First Energy planted over 100,000 trees within its six state service area. In the valley, volunteers are also planting pollinators in downtown Youngstown, and helping clean waterways in other communities.

“Electricity is the lifeblood of our communities, but trees play a crucial role in a healthy environment. So, our employees are donating their time to plant these trees that are donated by First Energy because we aren’t just employees that live in these communities, we are also residents,” said Sibirkus.

 

Read the original article at WFMJ.

Ohio grants $651K for conservation projects in Braceville, Beaver Townships

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The Ohio Public Works Commission has awarded nearly $651,000 in grants to Trumbull and Mahoning counties for conservation projects through its Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program, the agency announced on Tuesday.

Dedicated to environmental conservation through land acquisition and the protection and enhancement of rivers and streams, grant recipients commit to maintaining the properties for future generations. Projects are reviewed by regional natural resource assistance councils.

The Trumbull County MetroParks received $500,787 for the Braceville Nature Preserve Extension in Braceville Township. The funding will allow MetroParks to acquire 74 acres of undeveloped land nestled between State Route 5 and the Mahoning River.

The property, located within the Chocolate Run-Mahoning River and Mahoning River watersheds, includes high-quality forest, wetland, and floodplain habitat, featuring eight wetlands and 6,000 feet of frontage along the Mahoning River. MetroParks plans to manage the area as a nature preserve with public access, expanding the existing Braceville Nature Preserve.

In Mahoning County, Mill Creek MetroParks was awarded $150,000 for improvements to the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, located at 2650 West Calla Road in Beaver Township. The funding will support enhancements to a previously funded Clean Ohio project.

The planned improvements include the installation of an aggregate parking lot, trail upgrades, demolition of existing structures, the creation of an outdoor education space, and ecological restoration efforts such as invasive species management and native prairie restoration.

The Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program aims to preserve natural areas and protect water resources across the state.  Statewide, 28 projects in 23 counties received funding in March.

 

Read the original article at WFMJ.

Two local park systems awarded funds for improvements

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Two local park systems will share in a $16 million statewide grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission.

Mill Creek MetroParks and Trumbull County MetroParks will get over $600,000.

Trumbull County will use $500,787 to extend the Braceville Nature Preserve. Mill Creek will use $150,000 to improve the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary in Beaver Township.

In nearby Stark County, $626,818 is going to the County Park District for Magnolia Mill, a park that includes an iconic five-story mill along with hiking trails and other activities.

In all, 21 counties in Ohio were awarded grants.

 

Read the original article at WKBN.

Rainbow trout to be released at Lake Glacier Wednesday morning

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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife will be releasing rainbow trout into Lake Glacier at Mill Creek Park Wednesday, March 26.

Mill Creek MetroParks Natural Resources Manager Nick Derico tells 21 News the trout release is scheduled to take place about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

This is part of several rainbow trout releases at various bodies of water in Ohio conducted by ODNR from now until May 18. Lake Glacier is the only Mahoning Valley site for the trout releases.

According to a press release from ODNR, stocking these bodies of water with the rainbow trout provides anglers the opportunity to enjoy quality rainbow trout fishing during the spring.

Anglers age 16 and older are required to have a fishing license in order to fish in Ohio’s public waters. Anglers are limited to five rainbow trout per day.

You can take a look at Ohio’s 2025-26 fishing regulations by clicking here.

 

Read the original article at WFMJ.

Tracking our feathered friends-Annual Great Backyard Bird Count is complete

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Members of the local community were among those who volunteered their time to keep track of the number of birds at their feeders and other locations as part of the annual Great Backyard Bird Count.

A special gathering took place this week at Mill Creek MetroParks Ford Nature Center. Emily Greve of Youngstown, a metroparks educator, said the count done Feb. 14 to 17 benefits Cornell University and involves the Audubon Society and other bird organizations globally helping to count the number of birds they see.

“All anyone had to do was for 15 minutes count the number of birds they see in any of the four days and submit the information on e-Bird,” Greve said.

Greve, who spoke to people at the Ford Nature Center on selecting the best binoculars for watching birds, said people can stay inside and watch birds come and go from several feeders filled with sunflower seeds, nuts and dried mealworms.

“People can learn how to identify birds and record the data. For some people, watching birds is a hobby,” Greve said.

Greve said she recorded the birds at her home — as many people do — but they can also record birds at parks and other locations.

“Some people go to birding hot spots where they know there will be a lot of bird species. Many go to the Mill Creek MetroParks bird sanctuary. You can travel wherever you want to count birds whether it is your own backyard or public parks. You can do it by yourself or with a group of friends,” Greve said.

Those helping to record data saw blue jays, goldfinch, black-capped chickadees, blue birds, sparrows,wrens and several species of woodpeckers.

“We had 16 different species of birds in our count. The feeders here help attract more birds because of the source of food,” Greve said.

She said in the winter months birds will come to the feeders because their food elsewhere may be under snow and less accessible.

She said in addition to the regular birds, there are also occasionally hawks that try to get the birds.

“The Great Backyard Bird Count is a really good way to get people who may not normally be interested in birds involved. Birding is very accessible and something everyone can do. You do not even have to go outside if you are unable. This allows people to get involved with nature,” she said.

 

WHAT PEOPLE SAW

Angel Lempke of Austintown said she comes to Mill Creek Park often to see the birds, and she saw where a group was asking people to watch for bald eagle nests.

She said she saw a nest by Wick Park in Youngstown and actual eagles on Lake Newport at Mill Creek Park. Lempke looked out the windows at Mill Creek Park and saw bluebirds, woodpeckers, starlings and nuthatches.

“I got a bird feeder for Christmas last year, so I do see many types of birds at my house. I love coming to the park too,” she said.

Laura Frost of Boardman, who is a science teacher with the Boardman Local School District, said it is great to be part of the bird count and she has asked her students to participate.

“We have done science projects related to birds,” Frost said.

Frost and her husband James and their son, Theo, 2, were watching the birds at the feeders.

 

BIRDERS ELSEWHERE

In Trumbull County, bird watchers also were taking part in the Backyard Bird Count.

Amanda and Matt Sloan of Champion said they counted birds not only at their home, but at the north end of Hoagland Blackstub Road, called “The Tubes” at the Mosquito Lake causeway in Mecca.

“People can record individually, as couples or in groups if they want. We recorded data all four days and had 35 checklists,” Amanda Sloan said.

The Sloans also drove to the Marblehead Lighthouse in Ottawa County where they were able to see a rare barrow’s goldeneye duck, which is a Eurasian species that now lives in Ohio.

“There is a common goldeneye but the barrow’s goldeneye is not as common,” Amanda said.

“The causeway was a good spot. The water was open and you could see diving ducks and geese all over. Wherever you go and the water is open is phenomenal for bird watching,” she said.

Amanda said a month ago, the spot would not have been good since there was ice on the lake and there would be few birds, but once the water was exposed, birds came.

The Sloans recorded 70 species of birds and were second place in the state on E-Bird, where people can record data

They also have taken part in the Christmas Bird Count.

“We are glad that the data we record will help science,” Amanda said.

Jason Lee, park naturalist at Mosquito Lake State Park, said he has taken part in and organized events for the Christmas Bird Count in the middle of December in parts of Trumbull County.

Lee said plans are underway for “Big Birding Weekend” over Memorial Day weekend at Mosquito Lake Park with different programs and birding groups.

Jason Short, president of the Audubon Society of the Mahoning Valley, said he encourages people who enjoy bird watching to take part in any bird count event.

“This is a way people can connect with nature and help gather science data. I tell them to watch the feeders in their yards or find other locations,” Short said.

He said there is a variety of birds in the local area since some shore birds leave for the winter migrating south but then come back in the spring.

Like the Sloans, Short also traveled this winter to Marblehead Lighthouse to see the barrow’s goldeneye duck.

He said he also has gone to Meigs County to see the lazuli bunting.

He said the first weekend in May there will be a birding event at Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana Short said he began bird watching during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and has found many people ages 40 and older enjoy the activity, especially those who are retired.

 

Read the original article at The Vindicator.

Official unlocks history of Lanterman’s Mill

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A sudden blizzard didn’t deter about a dozen people from gathering at Ford Nature Center Saturday morning for a lecture on the history of Lanterman’s Mill by its manager, Eric Simione.

Simione was a Boardman High School teacher for 33 years until he retired in 2023. He loves to research everything from labor history and the Supreme Court to rock ‘n’ roll, as evidenced by his discussion the previous evening about Bruce Springsteen and his song “Youngstown.”

Last year, he became the manager at Lanterman’s Mill, where he maintains the facility, schedules tours and operates the gift shop. Although he grew up in Youngstown and moved to Boardman at age 10, he admitted that as a child he did not know Mill Creek Park intimately so he continues to learn more about the park, including the mill.

He noted the 180-year-old structure is an iconic image. “If you do a Google search of Youngstown one of the first things you come up with is Lanterman’s Mill,” Simione said.

In 1797, Phineas Hill and Isaac Powers surveyed land for owner John Young. When they saw the waterfall, they knew it was valuable property. Young agreed to sell them the acreage under the condition that they set up a grist mill as quickly as possible to feed the growing population.

The “Hill Mill” operated for about 20 years. It was not remarkable considering at the time there were 1,861 water-propelled mills in Ohio and 17 in Mahoning County alone, Simione said.

The second building on the site was the Eli Baldwin Mill, which was erected in 1823. In 1843, it was washed away by a flood.

Two years later, Samuel Kimberly and his brother-in-law, German Lanterman, built the structure that stands today. Simione noted that Kimberly has been mostly lost to local history and joked that he was “the Art Garfunkel” of the partnership.

Because of what happened to the Baldwin Mill, Lanterman and Kimberly used sandstone and limestone walls that are 10 feet thick at the bottom. It is wider at the base to give it more stability.

The mill operated until 1888. It was then used for swimming and sunbathing, complete with a changing room and a hot dog vendor. Eventually it became a nature museum and remained so until the 1980s, when it was restored to serve as a mill.

It was rumored to be a distillery during Prohibition. Although Simione has not found any proof of this, Youngstown City Council outlawed swimming in 1918 — right before the 18th Amendment was ratified — and the nature museum was established in 1933 just as alcohol was again legalized.

Today, Lanterman’s Mill greets 12,000 visitors from May to October plus the annual Christmas at the Mill event. This does not include countless hikers in all seasons who stop to admire the scenery, Simione said.

Read the original article at The Vindicator.

Mill Creek speaker takes deep dive into Springsteen’s ‘Youngstown’

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No one in the Mahoning Valley expected the biggest rock star in the world to be an ally. But that’s what occurred when Bruce Springsteen released “The Ghost of Tom Joad” on Nov. 21, 1995.

Among its dozen tracks was “Youngstown,” which, in less than four minutes, encapsulated the origins, boom and fall of the area’s steel industry.

Eric Simione, manager of Lanterman’s Mill, took a deep historical dive into the lyrics of the song during Mill Creek MetroParks’ “Winter Talks: Youngstown — The Story Behind Bruce Springsteen’s Tale of Our Hometown” Friday at the Ford Nature Center’s Education Building.

“If you go back about a decade before this, you really didn’t get much bigger or more popular than Bruce Springsteen when he was doing ‘Born in the USA.’ So, the idea that he wrote a song about Youngstown was a pretty big deal to a lot of us.”

The lecture combined past events with visuals, including several from the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor (aka Steel Museum) and personal anecdotes.

With a printout of the song’s lyrics available for attendees to follow along, Simione went through each verse. It begins by mentioning the Hopewell Furnace — located in Yellow Creek Park in Struthers — which was built in 1803 by James and Dan Heaton.

Later, the track recognizes the area’s contributions such as making cannonballs for the Union Army in the Civil War.

“Sometimes, people overlook the fact that not just Youngstown, but Ohio, in general, played such a huge role in the Civil War and the war effort for the North. The Civil War would have taken place at a time when some of the mills were just getting started. I believe there were 17 mills in Mahoning County alone,” he said.

Moving to the 20th Century, Simione brought up that there were mills running along the Mahoning River for decades until Black Monday began the closures on Sept. 19, 1977.

“Depending on how long you lived in the area, most of us probably had relatives that worked in these facilities at some point in time. They became a very prominent part of life for people in this region,” Simione said.

He referred to his grandfather, who worked at Youngstown Sheet & Tube Campbell Works and retired shortly before it closed. Showing a photo that reproduced a typical steelworker’s home with a small living room and kitchen downstairs and one bedroom / one bathroom upstairs, Simione mentioned his elder relative lived in a similar residence with four family members.

“It was a very simple and humble experience, but it was something that particular generation took great pride in because they did have shelter, these houses,” he said.

The city’s importance to manufacturing was considered so important that the Soviet Union placed it among its top targets for a nuclear strike.

“By the close of World War II, the United States was producing about two-thirds of the world’s steel supply, which is really quite prominent. Then, within the span of only 40 years we’re down to 11%.

“There’s a drastic shift that takes place that really started in the ’60s, but it was happening so slowly, nobody really noticed it,” Simione said.

He recalled his dad coming home in 1970 after serving in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam.

“Like anyone who grew up in Youngstown he figured he’d get a job at the mill, but when he went down there, he was told, ‘We’re not hiring.’ That was unheard of. So, it started before the real shutdowns.”

Simione concluded by quoting the last line of the song — “I pray the devil comes and takes me to stand in the fiery furnaces of hell” — and then said, “That is a unique line to describe what these workers went through and what they took pride in. It really embodies the spirit of Youngstown. We will do the hard work. We always have and continue to try to in the decades since these mills closed.”

The hourlong talk was bookended with live videos of Springsteen performing the song — a somber, eulogy-like, solo acoustic version taken from the musician’s concert on Jan. 12, 1996, at Stambaugh Auditorium and an emotional, angry version featuring the full E Street band from the “Live in New York City” DVD.

Springsteen continued to make “Youngstown” and the plight of workers a fixture of his setlists. According to setlist.fm, he’s performed the song 318 times around the world, most recently on Nov. 22, 2024, in Vancouver.

Despite the facts within the lyrics specifically geared toward this area, at its core the song deals with displaced workers, which makes it understandable for his international fans.

The Winter Talks lecture series continues this weekend with YSU Ward Beecher Planetarium Engineer Curt Spivey discussing the current winter night sky and recent astronomical events 6 to 7 p.m. Friday and Diana Alexander exploring the geology of Mill Creek Park 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday. For more information, go to www.MillCreekMetroParks.org.

 

Read the original article at The Vindicator.

Mill Creek Park Outlines Golf, Other Improvements

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The golf course is the biggest jewel of Mill Creek Park, attracting visitors by the tens of thousands each year.

To keep it viable, Mill Creek MetroParks made several enhancements in 2024 and also opened an indoor player development center.

The improvements to the course and the entire park system are listed in the MetroParks’ annual report, which was released Tuesday. The report is laden with facts and figures, including:

  • The North and South courses saw a total of 58,021 nine-hole rounds played in 2024.
  • The two courses also saw a total of 36,537 18-hole rounds played last year.
  • The par-three course at Wick Recreation Area saw 17,009 nine-hole rounds played in 2024, and 9,097 18-hole rounds.

Physical improvements to the golf course included a revamp of the South Course parking lot, which was repaved with new drainage basins and beautified with an enhanced entryway and landscaping.

The architectural design of the irrigation system for both the North and South courses was finalized over the summer in preparation for future construction.

The courses hosted three collegiate tournaments in 2024, including the American Junior Golf Association All-Star National Invitational and Preview Tournament in June. The AJGA events had a financial impact of $408,268 from hotel stays, dining, recreational spending, green fees and shopping.

The indoor player development center on the second floor of the golf course’s fieldhouse opened at the start of last year. It boasts three golf simulator bays, a putting green, a club fitting area, offices, bathrooms and storage space.

In September, the clubhouse building at Wick Recreation Area – near the par-3 course, playground, tennis courts and batting cages –  reopened after receiving a $1.5 million facelift. It now has a team shop, equipment rentals, concession stand, a rental space for parties and a patio.

Mill Creek MetroParks had a total 2024 income of $19,380,187 from a tax levy, activities, gifts and grants, investment interest and other sources.

Its expenses for the year for salaries, materials and supplies, improvements, loan payments and other expenses totaled $13,570,136, leaving the system with a year-end cash balance of $5,810,051. Year-end encumbrances totaled $1,744,111, leaving an unencumbered balance of $4,065,940.

Other highlights of 2024 detailed in the report include:

  • Conservation: Approximately 1,900 trees were planted at the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary and Vickers Nature Preserve to help reforest areas of reverting farmland. Since 2021, more than 6,000 trees have been planted.
  • New app: Mill Creek Metroparks launched an innovative mobile app designed to make exploring the park and its trails easier and more convenient. Powered by OuterSpatial, the app is free to download.
  • Sustainability: The Healthy Streams Initiative, an annual project dedicated to restoring natural flow patterns and reducing erosion along Mill Creek and its tributaries, focused on the section of Mill Creek flowing through the southern portions of the park. Last year’s work improved 5,809 linear feet of stream.
  • Wildlife management: The 2023-24 season marked the inaugural year for the deer management program. In total, 197 deer were harvested, 38 of which were donated to local food bands, resulting in 1,336 pounds of venison and more than 1,100 meals for those in need.
  • Pavilion project: A new 2,600-square-foot indoor/outdoor facility at the Vickers Nature Preserve, with banquet hall, kitchen, restrooms and a covered porch, was designed, and a contract was awarded. Construction of the $625,000 project will begin this year.

 

Read the original article at The Business Journal.

Mill Creek Metroparks announce capital improvement plan

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Upgrades and advancements are coming to several locations throughout Mill Creek Metroparks in 2025.

From bridge and trail improvements to the golf course and nature reserve restoration projects, Mill Creek officials explained where funds will go during Monday’s monthly meeting with the park board.

“We try to target various facilities and various areas with each year’s budget,” explained Justin Rogers, Director of Planning and Operations with Mill Creek Metroparks.

$480k will go towards bridge improvements to locations including the Slippery Rock Bridge, all to preserve its history and functionality. The majority of the funding is from a federal Transportation Alternatives Program grant.

Trails throughout the park will receive $225k, with Vickers Nature Preserve and the MetroParks Bikeway the main focus. $50k will go towards facility renovations to Vickers Nature Preserve, Bears Den Operations Service Facility, and Birch Hill Cabin. $100k will go towards upgrading restroom facilities throughout the park.

$262k will be spent at Mill Creek Golf Course, restoring stream tributary channels and improving stormwater drainage. The majority of that price tag will be paid for by an Ohio EPA grant.

Vickers Nature Preserve will see a new pavilion and a revamp of the space.

“It’ll be an indoor-outdoor, four-season event center with a banquet hall, kitchen restrooms and amenities,” Rogers said. “This year, we’re proposing site improvements.”

$2.1 million is going towards Fellows Riverside Gardens, to redevelop the building’s lower terrace, improve HVAC and stormwater drainage, and repair the fountain and rose gardens. Plus, the site of the future children’s garden is ready to be transformed.

“We will be going out for public bid soon for that project and throughout 2025, we’ll be working on getting that constructed and opened later on this year,” Rogers added. “So we’re really excited about that project.”

The Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary is getting more than $200k towards site accessibility and habitat improvements, along with adding a new education pavilion.

“It’s our goal to restore, add habitat, and address some of the stormwater management matters on the golf course,” Rogers added.

 

Read the original article at WFMJ.

‘Banner year’ for capital improvements at Mill Creek MetroParks

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Justin Rogers, Mill Creek MetroParks planning and operations director, gave a review of 2024 capital improvements at the MetroParks meeting earlier this week at the Davis Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

“It was another banner year on top of the one last year. So we are excited,” Rogers told the park commissioners at the end of his presentation. He said the projects followed the MetroParks Master Plan, which extends out four to six years.

Among the bigger projects were road improvements, which had a budget of $350,000 for the year. Of the total, $107,367 came from Ohio Department of Transportation and Ohio Parks & Recreation Association funds.

He said three roads were resurfaced — Valley Drive from the Suspension Bridge to High Drive, all of Cohasset Drive and all of Lily Pond Drive.

Another $350,000 was budgeted for annual parking lot improvements, which were focused on the Mill Creek South Golf Course, including stormwater improvements, resurfacing and curbing. Some planting will be addressed later, Rogers said.

Improvements also were made to the asphalt at the MetroParks Farm, including seal coating, crack filling and pavement markings.

Annual trail improvements were budgeted for $250,000 this year and included the West Newport area of Mill Creek Park, about a quarter of a mile of improvements to equestrian trails at the Vickers Nature Preserve and a continuation of resurfacing of the MetroParks Bikeway (Kirk Road up to New Road), Rogers said.

There was $100,000 budgeted for annual pavilion/structure improvements, and they included upgrades to the stables, office and pavilion at Vickers Nature Preserve. Other projects under that category were replacement of the roof at the Par 3 golf course building at the Wick Recreation Area and the roof at the batting cages. Also last year were roof repairs or replacements at Lanterman’s Mill, the Morley Pavilion and golf course fieldhouse, Slippery Rock Pavilion and the park district administration office.

On $11,000 of endowment funds were used for new native plantings at the Mill Creek Golf Course near parking areas, as well as improvements to landscape areas.

At Lanterman’s Mill, using $11,000 of mill endowment funds, landscape improvements were made, and there will be repairs to sections of the mill’s roof, Rogers said.

Recently awarded was a contract to carry out $625,000 worth of improvements to Vickers Nature Preserve, including construction of a new indoor/outdoor four-season pavilion, trail improvements and native plantings.

“It will have open space for tables and chairs, rentals and programs there, kitchen, restroom,” Rogers said of the pavilion.

Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary Expansion Improvements are part of a $200,000 project to expand the sanctuary. Seventy five percent of the funding came through a Clean Ohio Conservation Fund grant, he said.

The project will result in improvements to the entry-drive parking area, trail improvements and habitat improvements. They include ecological restoration in the form of a prairie, planting native species,” Rogers said. The design is being completed for a 30-acre wetland restoration project, he added.

Under a budget of $20,000 are improvements to Collier Preserve, including habitat and site improvements, vegetative and invasive species control and accessibility improvements.

At Fellows Riverside Gardens, a $316,000 budget was set for improvements the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, upgrades and other work the Davis Education & Visitor’s Center, replacement roses throughout the rose garden; replacement of plantings at the labyrinth garden, resetting the bluestone trails, new vegetation, resetting pavers and steps throughout different areas, resetting the patio plaza around the gazebo and new planter boxes and painting, he said.

Some of that work continues into 2025, and $116,000 of the funding was from endowment funds. All of the parking-lot islands were planted this year, he said. The existing restroom in the parking lot was improved to make it a four-season restroom, and it will help with the Children’s Garden to be constructed in 2025.

The Wick Recreation Recreation Center opened this year and was “well received with a lot of rentals and concessions, ” he said. “Our recreation staff has been working out of (the center) team shop to facilitate a lot of our sports programs at the Wick Recreation Area,” Rogers said.

The cross country course at the MetroParks Farm opened in September, and it hosted two YSU meets right away that brought in college and high school athletes, he said. The 2027 Horizon League championship meet will be held there.

There were three new restroom projects completed this year, one at the golf course, one at the Newport Wetlands and one at East Golf Drive near Shields Road. Hawkins Marsh got trail improvements and invasive-plant treatment. The Children’s Garden design plans are nearly complete for Fellows Riverside Gardens, and bidding is expected in January, he said.

The park district’s Healthy Streams initiative that began in 2005 has continued to clear blockages in waterways “to allow it to function naturally and access the flood plain,” he said. The fish-stocking program continued in five places. And treatment of Hemlock Wolly Adelgid, Beech Leaf Disease and treatment of Lake Newport algae continued this year.

New sand was brought in for the sand volleyball courts along the Lily Pond, and new kayak racks were installed at the Newport Boat House. Pickleball courts were created at Volney and Yellow Creek Park, he said.

Rogers’ presentation is available at www.millcreekmetroparks.org/informative-presentations

 

Read the original article at The Vindicator.