The YSU Army ROTC will be performing training exercises on Thursdays from January 21 – April 22, 2021 at the McGuffey Wildlife Preserve in Coitsville Township. On each Thursday, training will begin at approximately 2:30 p.m. and conclude at approximately 4:00 p.m. Members will be in uniform and government vans will be on site.
In the event of inclement weather, the training could be delayed and adjusted accordingly.
The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, January 11, 2021, at 6 p.m. While in-person attendance is not permitted due to COVID-19, the meeting can be viewed via Facebook Live on the Mill Creek MetroParks Facebook page. The agenda will be available on the website after 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
In support of the recommendations from the Governor’s Office, the Ohio Department of Public Health and the Center for Disease Control regarding the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus and to protect the health, safety and welfare of our employees, volunteers and visitors, Mill Creek MetroParks is extending the cancellations of all previously scheduled programs, tours, events, lectures and indoor facility rentals until the April 2021 board meeting scheduled for April 12, 2021. In the event a registration fee or rental fee was paid, a full refund will be processed.
The following Mill Creek MetroParks locations will be closed to the public through April 12, 2021
Various Mill Creek MetroParks outdoor locations will be remain open and available for use including Mill Creek Park, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Sebring Woods, The MetroParks Bikeway, Mill Creek Golf Course (seasonal), Wick Par-3 (seasonal), MetroParks Farm Disc Golf Course, and All Nature Preserves and Sanctuaries.
The MetroParks urges all visitors to continue following all guidelines from state and local health officials, such as staying home if sick or exhibiting symptoms, maintaining at least six feet apart from other visitors, avoiding congregating in large groups and bypass busy areas, practicing good hygiene by washing hands often and carrying hand sanitizer, as well as suggesting non-use of items such as handrails, park benches, and other areas frequently touched to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, December 14, 2020, at 6 p.m. While in-person attendance is not permitted due to COVID-19, the meeting can be viewed via Facebook Live on the Mill Creek MetroParks Facebook page. 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 5:30 p.m. at the same location and will be following the same protocol as the Regular Board Meeting.
Effective Monday, November 30, 2020 the following roads in Mill Creek Park will be closed to vehicular traffic for the winter:
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.
The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2020, at 6 p.m. While in-person attendance is not permitted due to COVID-19, the meeting can be viewed via Facebook Live on the Mill Creek MetroParks Facebook page. The agenda will be available on the website after 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
The Mill Creek MetroParks Foundation has bestowed the Volney Rogers Legacy Award upon two benefactors of the Foundation, David Sabine and Sand Hill Foundation. The award, which was created in 2006, is reserved for those who show a sincere dedication to the MetroParks and its programs.
David Sabine, Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at Huntington National Bank, is being honored for his long-time support and dedication to Mill Creek MetroParks and the Foundation. Mr. Sabine has played an instrumental role in the restoration and preservation of Lanterman’s Mill, as well as the spearheading of the fundraising efforts for the creation of the Beecher Finnegan Education Building that is be part of the current Ford Nature Center Redevelopment Project. “I’m very honored to receive the Volney Rogers Award. I love the park, its the treasure but also represents the sacrifice and energy and devotion Volney Rogers had to create this park. It is our duty to continue that commitment to make sure the park continues to grow and to bring the benefits to the community as it has for this 100 years,” says Sabine.
The Sand Hill Foundation, a private family foundation located in Menlo Park, California, provides philanthropic support for promising and proven non-profit organizations working to alleviate poverty, strengthen families and preserve the natural environment with a primary focus in the San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula. The Sand Hill Foundation, established in 1995, has been active with gifts to the Ford Nature Center Endowment Fund and being the Naming Sponsor for the Ford Nature Center Redevelopment Project in 2018. Representatives from The Sand Hill Foundation were unable to travel due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
This year’s award presentation coincides with the 100 Year Anniversary of the dedication of the Volney Rogers Memorial Statue, located at the Memorial Entrance of Mill Creek Park at the corner of Glenwood Avenue and Memorial Hill Drive. Rogers, who established Mill Creek Park in 1891, passed away on December 3, 1919. The bronze statute, sculpted on his likeness was unveiled on October 12, 1920 before a large crowd of dignitaries, honored guests and school children from the area that raised funds needed to erect the statue.
In tribute to the centennial of the statue’s dedication, the Mill Creek MetroParks Foundation commissioned Freshmade3D, housed at the Youngstown Business Incubator to create a scaled replica of the statue for the award. “What makes the award so special is that it utilizes cutting-edge 3D printing technology from right here in Youngstown to pay homage to Volney Rogers and an event that took place a century ago,” says Chris Litton, Development Director for Mill Creek MetroParks.
The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at 6 p.m. While in-person attendance is not permitted due to COVID-19, the meeting can be viewed via Facebook Live on the Mill Creek MetroParks Facebook page. The agenda will be available on the website after 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
The Natural Resources Citizens Advisory Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Thursday, October 1, 2020, at 12:30 p.m. While in-person attendance is not permitted due to COVID-19, the meeting can be viewed via Facebook Live on the Mill Creek MetroParks Facebook page.
Construction for the Catch Basin Repairs Project will begin Monday, September 28, 2020 and will continue over the next several weeks. Improvements are being made along Valley Drive from East Park Drive to the Flats parking lot entrance which will require closure of the drive to accommodate construction activities. Access to the Flats and the Suspension Bridge will remain open and will be accessible from West Cohasset Drive. While all safety precautions will be followed by the contractor during construction, please exercise caution while accessing the Flats and the Suspension Bridge. In the event of inclement weather, the work schedule will be delayed and adjusted accordingly.
Any questions or concerns may be directed to the MetroParks Administration Office at 330.702.3000 or at soldham@millcreekmetroparks.org