Mill Creek MetroParks is announcing the temporary closure of the Ford Nature Center beginning Saturday, February 1, 2020. The closure marks the official start to the Ford Nature Center Redevelopment Project. In total, the project is expected to take up to twenty-four months to complete with an anticipated reopening schedule of Spring/Summer 2022. “We are thrilled to be able to announce the start of such a highly anticipated, and critically needed project,” says Aaron Young, Executive Director of Mill Creek MetroParks.

The Mill Creek MetroParks Foundation first launched the capital campaign for the redevelopment of the Ford Nature Center in July 2018. Since that time, the Foundation has raised $2,530,262 towards its $3 million goal and received a signature gift in the form of a $1 million matching challenge grant from the Sand Hill Foundation of Menlo Park, California. Once complete, the project will allow the Ford Nature Center to continue serving the community as a primary resource for nature based education through the use of 21^st century classrooms, learning labs, exhibits and outdoor environment. “We appreciate the support the community has provided through the campaign and look forward to the successful completion of the project,” says Aaron Young, Executive Director of Mill Creek MetroParks.

Mill Creek MetroParks is soliciting public comment for an upcoming bridge improvement project. The proposed project involves improvements to the Old Orchard Bridge located on Chestnut Hill Drive, in Mill Creek Park approximately 0.25-miles north of Canfield Road (US-62). Proposed project activities consist of furnishing labor, materials, and equipment necessary to resurface the asphalt concrete pavement over the bridge (~300’), seal/waterproof the bridge decking, repair/improve the concrete walks and timber railings, perform stone masonry repair (tuck-pointing), cleaning, and all other tasks incidental to completion of this project.

 

The project is scheduled to begin construction in the summer of 2020 with an estimated construction cost of $200,000. A significant portion (80%) of the projects funding will be provided by ODOT through Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds ($160,000). The MetroParks will provide the remaining 20% ($40,000) in match funds, as well as contribute professional engineering, contract management and construction project management/inspection services.

 

This project is expected to be complete in approximately sixty (60) days. During construction, the Old Orchard Bridge will be closed to all pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle traffic for a maximum of (45) days. A detour route will be provided for vehicular traffic. Construction schedule, bridge closure, and detour information will be posted near the Old Orchard Bridge project site, and on the Mill Creek MetroParks website (www.millcreekmetroparks.org) prior to the start of construction. Access to Chestnut Hill Pavilion and all other MetroParks facilities will be maintained at all times throughout the project.

 

To ensure the proposed project is viable and successful, Mill Creek MetroParks is seeking comments from the public about the social, environmental, and economic impacts of this proposed project.  Environmental impacts include those involving archaeological, architectural and ecological resources, regulated materials and the general location of the project.  ODOT also requests information regarding the presence of any known cultural resources in the vicinity of the project including prehistoric and historic archaeological sites, historic bridges, historic buildings, landmarks and districts.  Any comments you may have regarding the environmental and/or the proposed project may be submitted by Friday, January 17, 2020.

 

All public comments, questions and/or concerns about the project are welcomed, and should be directed to:

 

Mill Creek MetroParks

Re: Nick Derico, Natural Resources Steward

7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd.

Canfield, Ohio 44406

Phone: 330.702.3000 x 136

Fax: 330.702.3010

nderico@millcreekmetroparks.org

The Environment Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Friday, December 20, 2019, at 2:00 pm, in Classroom A, at the MetroParks Farm.

Effective Friday, December 6, 2019 the following roads in Mill Creek Park will be closed to vehicular traffic for the winter:

 

• 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 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.

Kick off your holiday weekend with the Black Friday Sale at the Mill Creek Golf Course Golf Shop on Friday, November 29, 2019. Stop in from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. to purchase your favorite golfer something special for next season.

On Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. visit Lanterman’s Mill for Olde Fashioned Christmas at Lanterman’s Mill. Sponsored by 21 WFMJ/WBCB, guests will be able to see Lanterman’s Mill dressed in holiday finery for this traditional, family-friendly, free event. Taste chestnuts roasted on an open fire, watch artisans demonstrate old fashioned crafts, purchase unique handcrafted gifts, and enjoy festive entertainment. To share the holiday spirit with others, bring a new hat, scarf, or pair of mittens to decorate a “Giving Tree.” Donated items will warm up children in need this winter.

On Sunday, December 1 head over to the MetroParks Farm for Santa’s Winter Barn from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Santa will make an appearance with some of his animal friends from around the world as he gets his reindeer ready for that big night. Come sit in his sleigh for a holiday picture and make a holiday craft to take home. The family-friendly free event is held in the unheated barn, so please dress for the weather. There is a $1 cash only fee for the children’s holiday craft.

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