Notice of July Board Meeting

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The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, July 14, 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. A meeting of the Public Records Commission will be held prior to the Regular Board Meeting 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 Presents “Bug Day” at Ford Nature Center

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Mill Creek MetroParks is excited to announce “Bug Day” at the Ford Nature Center (840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown) on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event promises a captivating day of insect-inspired fun and education for visitors of all ages.

Event Highlights Include:

• Live Bug Exhibits:
o Meet “The BugMan,” Mark Berman from Columbus, Ohio, as he demonstrates his one-of-a-kind bug expertise.
o Experience a stunning butterfly exhibit curated by Katie Shipka.
o Get acquainted with Don Kovach, the local “Bee-Manager,” who brings beekeeping stories and practical insights to life.

• Hands-On Activities:
o Participate in gentle and respectful bug-catching and release, ensuring a fun and safe encounter with nature.
o Enjoy creative bug-themed crafts
o Embark on the “Bad Bug” Forest Walk, a unique opportunity to learn about the less-celebrated insects in their natural habitat.
o Complete fun, educational activities to become an official “Bugologist”!

• On-Site Extras:
o Available for purchase – enjoy a selection of tasty snacks and Mill Creek Park merchandise inside the gift shop., capture memories with a framed photo at the bug-themed photo booth or take a leisurely trolley ride (cash only) through the park.

For those eager for an even more immersive experience, a private BugMan Stage Show will kick off at 10:00 a.m., preceding the main event. This exclusive presentation features The BugMan’s original up-close videos and live insect demonstrations. Designed to entertain and educate both children and adults, the intimate class setting ensures an interactive and personal experience. Registration is required for this special session at $15.00 per person and can be completed online at www.millcreekmetroparks.org or by calling 330.740.7107 ext. 129.

Parking Information:
Limited, free parking is available on-site and at Pioneer Pavillion. As part of the event, visitors are encouraged to park at Slippery Rock Pavilion and enjoy the scenic “Good Bug” Pollinator Walk along the Ecology Trail leading to Ford Nature Center.

Join us for a day packed with interactive exhibits, educational demonstrations, and a genuine celebration of nature’s fascinating critters. We look forward to seeing you at Ford Nature Center on July 19 for an unforgettable Bug Day!

Improved and Reopened, Bears Den Drive and High Drive Ready for Visitors

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Mill Creek MetroParks is excited to announce the reopening of Bears Den Drive and High Drive, now better than ever following the completion of a major road improvement project. These well-loved scenic routes are once again open to vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic—just in time for visitors to enjoy the beauty of summer in the Park.

The project, part of the MetroParks’ annual drive improvement program, focused on creating a safer, smoother, and more enjoyable experience for all. Enhancements included milling and repaving of over 1.5 miles of road, updated pavement markings, new aggregate shoulders, and improvements to nearby parking areas.

Notice of MetroParks Citizens Advisory Committee Meetings

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The Natural Resources Citizens Advisory Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., at Stitt Pavilion, located on West Golf Dr. (GPS Coordinates: +41.042166, -80.68801) in Boardman.

The Education Citizens Advisory Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., in the Ford Nature Center Education Building – Classroom A, located at 840 Old Furnace Road, in Youngstown.

The Recreation Citizens Advisory Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., in the Wick Recreation Center, at Wick Recreation Area, located at 1861 McCollum Road, in Youngstown.

The Finance Citizens Advisory Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., in Classroom A inside the Education Building, at the MetroParks Farm, on 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road, in Canfield.

High Drive and Bears Den Drive to Undergo Roadway Improvements in Mill Creek Park

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Mill Creek MetroParks is pleased to announce two of its scenic drives—High Drive and Bears Den Drive—will soon be receiving important infrastructure upgrades to enhance safety and visitor experience. Beginning Wednesday, June 11, 2025, these roads will be temporarily closed for resurfacing and related improvements.

The project includes the installation of a new asphalt surface, fresh pavement markings, and aggregate shoulders, designed to improve durability and accessibility for all visitors.

The anticipated duration of the project is approximately three weeks, weather permitting. During this time, access to Scholl Pavilion and Chestnut Hill Drive will vary, depending on the phase of construction.

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 9, 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.

MetroParks Bikeway Section to Receive Surface Improvements

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Mill Creek MetroParks is pleased to announce upcoming improvements to a section of the MetroParks Bikeway from New Road to Silica Road, including the Mahoning Avenue Bridge. This highly used segment will be temporarily closed beginning Monday, June 9, 2025, to allow for the installation of a new asphalt surface.

The project is part of the MetroParks’ ongoing commitment to enhancing visitor experiences and ensuring the long-term safety, accessibility, and enjoyment of the Bikeway for all users. Construction is expected to last approximately three weeks, pending weather conditions.

During this time, the section from New Road to Silica Road will be completely inaccessible, including the Mahoning Avenue Bridge. Park visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and use alternate portions of the MetroParks Bikeway or other park trails during the closure.

Mill Creek MetroParks Welcomes Runners for Youngstown Marathon-Temporary Road and Facility Closures

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Mill Creek MetroParks welcomes the return of the Youngstown Marathon Foundation’s Sole to City Half-Marathon and 2-Mile Run on Sunday, June 1, 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:

East Golf Hike & Bike Trail

East Newport Hike & Bike Trail

East Newport Drive

Kreider’s Entrance (to East Newport Drive)

Kiwatha Road (to East Newport Drive)

East Park Drive

Valley Drive (after The Flats toward Lanterman’s Mill)

West Cohasset Drive

Old Furnace Road (between West Cohasset Drive and Ford Nature Center)

New Cross Drive

Cross Drive

Bears Den Road

West Park Drive

Birch Hill 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

Price Road

Calvary Run Drive

Fellows Drive

Lanterman’s Mill

 

Limited Access Areas:

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

Trail access to Robinson Hill Drive (near Ford Nature Center) will be closed.

Fellows Riverside Gardens will only be accessible via McKinley Avenue.

The Flats will remain open with access available via High Drive.

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.

MetroParks Farm North Parking Lot to Receive Upgrades

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Exciting improvements are coming to the MetroParks Farm! Beginning Thursday, May 29, 2025, the north parking lot at 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road will be temporarily closed as part of a project to enhance visitor safety, accessibility, and overall aesthetics.

The upgrade includes new asphalt paving and concrete curbing, creating a smoother, safer, and more welcoming parking experience for visitors. The project is expected to take approximately five weeks to complete, weather permitting.

As part of the project, the Green Team recycling area located in the north lot will also be closed during construction.

We appreciate your patience as we work to enhance the overall visitor experience and are pleased to share that all other facilities will remain open and fully accessible throughout the duration of the project.

Open facilities include:

  • MetroParks Bikeway and Bikeway Trailhead
  • South Parking Lot
  • McMahon Hall
  • Administration Office and Education Building
  • Animal Barns
  • Disc Golf Courses
  • Cross Country Course

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 12, 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.