The following roads and areas in Mill Creek MetroParks will be closed to vehicular traffic, as well as cyclists and pedestrians from approximately 6:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., on Sunday, October 24, 2021, for the Youngstown Marathon:

Lily Pond Drive (South of Lily Pond Parking Lot)

West Drive

West Glacier Drive

Price Road

Slippery Rock Bridge

Robinson Hill Drive

East Cohasset Drive

West Cohasset Drive

High Drive

Valley Drive

East Park Drive

Old Mill Drive

East Newport Drive

Kreider’s Entrance

West Newport Drive

East Golf Drive & parking areas

Bear’s Den Drive

Price Road and Lower Gate of Fellows Riverside Gardens

Always use caution when driving on MetroParks roads as many of these roads are also used by pedestrians and bicyclists. Pedestrians and bicyclists should be reminded to also use caution and be aware of vehicular traffic when on these roads. For more information about Mill Creek MetroParks, visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org.

The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at 6 p.m., in the Education Building – McMahon Hall, at the MetroParks Farm, on Rt. 46, in Canfield. The agenda will be available on the website after 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

Thanks to several rounds of successful grant applications to the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, Mill Creek MetroParks has expanded by acquiring new property in previously under-served areas of Mahoning County.

In an effort to better serve under-represented areas of Mahoning County, the MetroParks has also acquired 88.38 acres, located in Springfield Township on Springfield Road, just North of I-76 thanks to a collaborative partnership with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Springfield Forest, as the property is being called, is the first land holding in Springfield Township in the MetroParks’ 130-year history. The Clean Ohio Conservation Fund provided 75% or $294,431 of the $392,575 total project cost, with the remaining 25% or $98,144 required match being provided thanks to $62,699 in financial support from the Mill Creek MetroParks Foundation and $35,445 in the form of a bargain sale. Funding for future improvements to Springfield Forest has also been secured through a separate successful grant application to the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund. The Fund will provide 75% or $182,202 of the total improvement cost of $242,936, with the remaining 25% or $60,734.00 required match being provided thanks to the financial support from the Mill Creek MetroParks Foundation and in-kind contributions from Mill Creek MetroParks. Future improvements related to providing public access to the property include facility signage, new parking area, improved trail system, trail wayfinding signage, widened/improved entrance drive, fishing dock/boardwalk, education signage/kiosk, and ecological restoration.  Improvements are expected to be completed by fall of 2022.

“We are thrilled to be able to announce this recent acquisition thanks to the dedicated efforts of MetroParks staff, our partners at the Mill Creek MetroParks Foundation, the Western Reserve Land Conservancy and through the support of the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund.  The acquisition of this property demonstrates our commitment to our mission and in serving the needs of all of Mahoning County.” said Aaron Young, Executive Director.

Mill Creek MetroParks presents “A Love Affair with Nature,” by local Artist Tom Harwood, which will be on display in the Weller Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Harwood has selected works featuring the relationships between light and color in landscape paintings. The result is a feast for the viewer, in watercolors and oils. As they are drawn into each painting, the viewer must decide whether they would open the gate, enter the clearing, or walk down the path.

This free exhibit is being displayed October 17, 2021, through January 9, 2022, during normal operating hours of Tuesdays – Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., closed Mondays. A Meet the Artist session will take place on Sunday, October 24, 2021, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in the Weller Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Take this opportunity to meet and visit with this talented local artist.

For more information on this exhibit and/or the Meet the Artist session, visit or call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330.740.7116.

Mill Creek MetroParks presents Pumpkin Walk at Twilight on Sunday, October 10, 2021 until 8:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens (123 McKinley Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44509). Take part in the wonders of the fall season as you walk along the pumpkin-lined paths as the day turns to night. Starting at 5:30 p.m., families can enjoy live entertainment presented by The John Reese Trio. This free, outdoor event is open to the public and sponsored by 21 WFMJ/WBCB. Refreshments will be available for purchase during the evening at the Garden Café by Kravitz.

On October 7 and 8, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and October 9 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, join us for family-friendly pumpkin carving. The finished pumpkins will be displayed during Pumpkin Walk at Twilight. The carving area is located in the outdoor Service Building at Fellows Riverside Gardens, dress according to the weather. Pumpkins and carving tools will be supplied or feel free to bring your own carving tools. Carving will continue while pumpkin supplies last. Carved pumpkins cannot be taken with you before, during, or after the event – they are to be displayed at the Pumpkin Walk event. Groups of 10 or more should call ahead. This event is also free and open to the public of all ages.

For questions and more information, please call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330.740.7116 or visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org.