Mill Creek MetroParks Welcomes Runners for Annual Distance Classic Temporary Road and Facility Closures

Mill Creek MetroParks is excited to host the Youngstown Road Runners Club Mill Creek Distance Classic Half Marathon and 5 Mile Run on Sunday, March 23, 2025! 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:

  • Bears Den Road
  • New Cross Drive
  • West Park Drive
  • West Cohasset Drive
  • High Drive
  • Chestnut Hill Drive
  • East Park Drive
  • Valley Drive
  • East Park Hike & Bike Trail
  • East Cohasset Hike & Bike Trail
  • Robinson Hill Drive
  • Memorial Hill Drive (heading to Slippery Rock Bridge)
  • West Glacier Drive
  • Wick Recreation Area Tennis Courts and Dek Hockey Rink

Limited Access Areas:

Ford Nature Center will only be accessible via Volney Road from Glenwood Avenue.

Lily Pond and Birch Hill Cabin will only be accessible via the McCollum Road entrance to Birch Hill Drive.

Trail access to Robinson Hill Drive (near Ford Nature Center) and West Glacier Drive (near the Lily Pond) will be closed during the event.

We appreciate the public’s support in making this race a success! Whether you’re running, cheering, or enjoying the park later in the day, we thank you for your cooperation and encourage everyone to celebrate this exciting tradition.

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 Golf Course Announces 2025 Opening Dates

Mill Creek MetroParks is pleased to announce the official opening dates for its golf facilities for the 2025 season. Golf enthusiasts can look forward to hitting the greens as the courses open in the coming weeks.

  • North Course – Opening on March 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM
  • Wick Par-3 Course (Youngstown) – Opening on April 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM
  • South Course – Opening on April 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM
  • Outdoor Practice Range – Opening on April 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM

Opening dates may be adjusted due to weather. Tee times can be booked online at www.millcreekmetroparks.org or by calling the Golf Shop at 330-740-7112.

“The start of the golf season is always an exciting time, and we are thrilled to welcome golfers back to our courses,” said Brian Tolnar, PGA Director of Golf at Mill Creek MetroParks. “With the arrival of spring, we invite players of all skill levels to come out and enjoy a great season of golf.”

Mill Creek Golf Course, designed by Donald Ross, offers an exceptional experience with its two 18-hole championship courses, practice range, indoor player development center, pro shop, and Hole 55 Bar & Grille. The courses are known for their scenic beauty and challenging layouts, making them a premier destination for golfers in the region.

For more information, visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org or follow us on social media for updates throughout the season.

Notice of March Board Meeting

The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, March 10, 2025, at 5:00 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 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

As a reminder, all weapons are prohibited inside Mill Creek MetroParks facilities. All members of the public attending the meetings will be required to pass through a metal detection device as part of MetroParks safety procedures.

Notice of February Board Meeting

The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, February 10, 2025, at 5:00 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 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

As a reminder, all weapons are prohibited inside Mill Creek MetroParks facilities. All members of the public attending the meetings will be required to pass through a metal detection device as part of MetroParks safety procedures.

Notice of January Board Meeting

The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2025, at 5:00 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 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

As a reminder, all weapons are prohibited inside Mill Creek MetroParks facilities. All members of the public attending the meetings will be required to pass through a metal detection device as part of MetroParks safety procedures.

Notice of December Board Meeting

The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, December 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the Rossi Auditorium at Fellows Riverside Gardens, in Youngstown. The agenda will be available on the website after 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting. A meeting of the Public Records Commission will be held at 4:30 p.m. at the same location.

As a reminder, all weapons are prohibited inside Mill Creek MetroParks facilities. All members of the public attending the meetings will be required to pass through a metal detection device as part of MetroParks safety procedures.

Mill Creek MetroParks Winter Road Closures

Effective Friday, December 6, 2024 the following roads in Mill Creek Park will be closed 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

When closed to vehicular traffic, these roads are available for recreational use for hiking, cross country skiing and sledding. Aside from recreational opportunities, benefits of winter road closures include cost savings associated with snow/ice removal as well as a reduction of negative environmental impacts from deicing salt. All roads will reopen in the spring when the weather permits.

In the winter months, snow and ice can create slippery roadway conditions. Roads with limited shoulders, lack of guardrails and steep grades can become increasingly hazardous for motorists. Always use caution when driving on MetroParks roads.

Celebrating the Holiday Season in Mill Creek Park

Beginning December 6, 2024 – December 31, 2024, the D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens will present Winter Celebration: Festival of Trees, a family-friendly, admission-free event. This year, 75 uniquely decorated trees by local nonprofits will bring magic to the Davis Center for all to enjoy. Visitors will also be able to view the beautiful seasonal flowers on display, find the perfect gift at the Shop in the Gardens, and savor refreshments available for purchase in Kravitz’s Garden Cafe. Experience Winter Celebration: Festival of Trees Tuesday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. through December 31, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. through December 22, closed Christmas Eve, December 24 and Christmas Day, December 25, 2024.

On Saturday and Sunday evenings, December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Fellows Riverside Gardens will feature Winter Nights, a free admission outdoor light display highlighting the beauty of winter. Warm up inside the Davis Center and enjoy the Winter Celebration tree display and special character appearances from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Character visits include Bluey on Saturday, December 7, Elsa on Sunday, December 8, Santa on Saturday, December 14, The Grinch on Sunday, December 15, Buddy the Elf on Saturday December 21, and Santa on Sunday, December 22.

One weekend only, enjoy Holiday Nights at Lanterman’s Mill, an exclusive, night-time look inside the iconic structure, with its unique history and architecture, beautifully dressed in holiday style with garland, Christmas trees, holiday music, and a visit from Santa creating a magical, quiet evening. Holiday Nights will be held on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 5:00 -7:00 pm. The gift shop will be open for last-minute shopping along with hot chocolate and popcorn for purchase.

Festive Finds will take place inside the Davis Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Over 30 vendors will be on-site for purchasing those last-minute gifts and holiday treats. Festive Finds runs Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15 from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Notice of November Board Meeting

The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024, at 5:00 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 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

As a reminder, all weapons are prohibited inside Mill Creek MetroParks facilities. All members of the public attending the meetings will be required to pass through a metal detection device as part of MetroParks safety procedures.

Celebrate the Holiday Weekend in Mill Creek MetroParks

Kick off your holiday weekend with the Black Friday Sale at Mill Creek Golf Course Golf Shop on Friday, November 29, 2024. Stop in from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to purchase your favorite golfer something special for next season.

On Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., visit Lanterman’s Mill for Christmas at the Mill. Visitors will experience Lanterman’s Mill dressed in its holiday finery for this traditional, family-friendly, free admission event. Taste chestnuts roasted on an open fire, purchase unique handcrafted gifts for the holidays, enjoy festive entertainment, indulge in concession stand treats, and more! Santa will visit both days from 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m. To share the holiday spirit with others, consider bringing a new hat, scarf, or pair of mittens to decorate the “Giving Tree.” Donated items will warm up children and adults in need this winter.

For more information about the holiday weekend events in the MetroParks, please visit millcreekmetroparks.org.