Early Closure for Summer Garden Party

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The D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center and Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park will be closed to the public beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2024, for the Annual Summer Garden Party fundraiser. The proceeds from this event support Fellows Riverside Gardens and is hosted by the Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The Davis Center and Gardens will reopen to the public on Saturday, July 27, 2024 during normal operating hours. For more information, please call 330.740.7116.

Mill Creek MetroParks Presents “Bug Day” at Ford Nature Center

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Mill Creek MetroParks presents “Bug Day” at Ford Nature Center (840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown) on Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This free, family friendly event will include live bug exhibits, including “The BugMan”, Mark Berman, from Columbus, Ohio; Orin McMonigle, author of dozens of books on insects; Katie Shipka, butterfly exhibit; and Don Kovach, the local “Bee-Manager.” Other fun activities will include gentle and respectful bug-catching and release, bug crafts, a bug tattoo station, and a “Bad Bug” Forest Walk. Snacks, a framed photo at the bug-themed photo booth, and trolley rides will be available for purchase (cash only).

For those who want an even more close-up bug-experience, there will be a private BugMan Stage Show taking place prior to the Bug Day event beginning at 10:00 a.m. This private show will feature The BugMan’s original up-close videos and live bug demonstrations. It is an entertaining, informative, up-close, and personal presentation that is sure to wow both children and adults. Class size is limited. Registration of $15.00 per person is required for the stage show and can be made online at https://reservations.millcreekmetroparks.org/programs/2059/ or by calling 330.740.7107 ext. 129.

Limited parking is free on-site with additional, limited parking available at Pioneer Pavilion and Slippery Rock Pavilion. For more information on this event, please call 330.740.7107 or visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org.

Mill Creek MetroParks Launches Mobile App

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Mill Creek MetroParks visitors now have a new way to access information on the entire park system including facilities, points of interest, trails and more from their mobile devices. Using the OuterSpatial platform, the new mobile application is free and available for both iPhone and Android devices. The app includes offline mapping and navigation allowing users continued access even without a cell phone signal.

Visitors can use the app to:
• Plan a visit and make the most of the visit
• Navigate while on trails
• Discover new places
• Locate parking, restrooms, picnic areas, and other park amenities
• Access information about ecological, geological, and historical points of interest
• Receive notifications about hazards, closures, and other timely information
• Special event information
• Share experiences and photos and connect with others who love the outdoors
• Report conditions, hazards, and incidents at visited locations

“The new mobile app provides users with the ability to easily access park information and navigation at their fingertips. The app is another resource for visitors to use in helping to guide them with planning and improving their visit,” said Jaime Yohman, Mill Creek MetroParks Community Engagement Director. “It’s a tool users can also rely on while in the park for accurate, up-to-date information on trails, closures, and recreation information throughout the MetroParks.”

To download the free app, visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org/mobile-app/

Mill Creek Interceptor Project

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As part of the City of Youngstown’s ongoing project to eliminate combined sanitary overflows in Mill Creek Park, soil boring equipment will be onsite and operating in Mill Creek Park beginning Monday, June 17, 2024. Under the direction of ms Consultants subcontractors will be performing site work throughout the northern section of Mill Creek Park. Park drives and facilities will remain open during the work. This phase of work is expected to last 3-4 weeks.

In the event of inclement weather, the work schedule will be delayed and adjusted accordingly.

Notice of June Board Meeting

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The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, June 10, 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.

Notice of MetroParks Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting

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The Education Citizens Advisory Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., in the Ford Nature Center Education Building – Classroom A, located at 840 Old Furnace Road, in Youngstown.

Notice of May Board Meeting

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The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, May 13, 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.

Mill Creek MetroParks Partners with Cruise the Creek to Offer Electric Bike Rentals

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Mill Creek MetroParks has partnered with Cruise the Creek to offer hourly electric bike (e-bike) rentals from the Kirk Road Trail Head located at 6685 Kirk Road, Canfield beginning Wednesday, May 1, 2024. The rentals are being offered as part of a lease agreement between Mill Creek MetroParks and Cruise the Creek.

“This collaboration continues our partnerships with local, private companies in expanding recreational opportunities to the community in a cost-effective manner. Cruise the Creek has developed a large customer base of individuals interested in the e-bike experience and we look forward to having them on the MetroParks Bikeway,” states Aaron Young, Executive Director for Mill Creek MetroParks..

The new rental location will be open for the season, Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the last rental one hour prior to closing. Reservations are required and can be made on the Cruise the Creek website at www.cruisethecreek.com. Rental pricing starts at $18.00 per hour.

The existing rules and regulations of the MetroParks Bikeway will also apply to electric bikes, which include but are not limited to, following a maximum speed of 15 mph while on the bikeway. For more information on the MetorParks Bikeway rules and regulations please visit www.millcreekmetroparks.com or for more information on e-bike rental rates visit www.cruisethecreek.com

Mill Creek MetroParks Announces Farm Animal Baby Shower

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Mill Creek MetroParks is excited to announce its annual Farm Animal Baby Shower to be held at the MetroParks Farm (7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd, Canfield) on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Families and individuals are encouraged to attend this free, family-friendly event to meet new arrivals at the MetroParks Farm including goats, piglets, calves, chicks, peacocks, and more, as well as mother animals who are still expecting. In addition, Mahoning County Jr. Fair participants will be available at the event to share their knowledge and animals with the public. Mill Creek MetroParks merchandise, tractor wagon rides, ice cream cones with feed for animal feedings, concession trailers and drinks will be available for purchase. Credit cards are accepted for concessions and merchandise, cash only for tractor wagon rides and animal feeding. Parking is free on-site with additional parking available across the street at the Canfield Fairgrounds.

The barns at the MetroParks Farm are currently open for the season, daily from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., with extended hours until 6 p.m. from June – October for viewing of the farm animals.

For more information on this event or the MetroParks Farm, please call 330.702.3000 or visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org.

Mill Creek MetroParks Road Closures

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The following roads in Mill Creek MetroParks will be closed to vehicular traffic as well as cyclists and pedestrians from approximately 6:30 a.m. until Noon on Sunday, April 21, 2024, for the Run YTown 5 & 10 Miler:

  • Old Mill Drive
  • Kreider’s Entrance
  • West Newport Drive
  • East Newport Drive
  • Chestnut Hill Drive
  • East Golf Hike-Bike Trail and parking lots at Route 224 and Shields Rd.
  • West Golf Drive from the Mill Creek Golf Course Parking Lot north to Shields Road

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.