The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, September 18, 2023, at 6:00 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.
The Natural Resources Citizens Advisory Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., at the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary Observation Deck, 2650 W. Calla Rd, Beaver Township.
The following roads in Mill Creek MetroParks will be closed to vehicular traffic as well as cyclists and pedestrians from approximately 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon on Sunday, August 27, 2023 for the Panerathon:
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.
The Mercy Health Foundation’s American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Junior All-Star Event and AJGA Preview Events took place the week of June 19, 2023, at Mill Creek Golf Course. The tournaments hosted 356 junior competitors, including six junior players who earned their spot in a Sunday regional qualifier event for the Junior All Star with a field of 156 players. Over 100+ volunteers, 40+ college coaches from all over the United States, and 24 staff and interns from the AJGA were also in attendance at the 2023 tournament.
The 2023 AJGA tournament set a new financial record of $436,087.02 in economic impact for the Mahoning Valley and a total of $2,663,578.00 in economic windfall since its inception in 2016. This impact includes lodging for families and AJGA representatives, rental cars, dining, and entertainment spending. In addition, a $7,200.00 donation was made between the Mill Creek MetroParks Foundation and the AJGA Ace Grant which came from monies raised for the AJGA tournament and Junior-Amateur event held on the Monday prior to the main event. To date, the AJGA event has raised over $67,150.00 for local charities and has represented players from all 50 states as well as 37 different countries.
Many thanks to the Title Sponsor Mercy Health Foundation and Presenting Sponsors which included the Mahoning County Convention & Visitor Bureau, Farmers Trust Company, Fox Sports, Meridian Healthcare, Huntington Bank, Mahoning Valley Hospital Foundation, Shark Ninja, Taylor Made Golf, TransAmerica and Youngstown Live as well as multiple local companies/businesses that were hole partners throughout the event week.
Abigail Lin of Folsom, California was the female champion coming in at one under par (209) and William Chang from Danville, California was the male champion with a score of two under par (208) for the week for the Mercy Health Foundation AJGA Junior All Star Tournament.
Sohia Lu from Rancho Palos Verdes, California was the female champion coming in at even par (140) and Julian Sinishtaj of Macomb, Michigan was the male champion with a score of even par (140) for the week for the Mercy Health Foundation AJGA Junior Preview Tournament.
Mill Creek Golf Course would like to thank all the spectators who attended the event as well as media partners YSN, WFMJ, WKBN, 1240 WBBW, 570 WKBN, Tribune Chronicle, and The Vindicator for their coverage during the week.
The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, August 14, 2023, at 6:00 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.
The East Cohasset Hiking Trail in Mill Creek Park has reopened after an extensive improvement project. Improved features throughout the 1.2-mile hiking trail include new aggregate surfacing, new and replaced stormwater conduit and drain inlets, along with rebuilt sandstone walls, steps, and drainage channels. Additionally, a new section of trail was constructed along the perimeter of The Flats to connect the East Cohasset Trail to the East Gorge Trail. The project was designed and implemented to improve and expand accessibility for park visitors, improve stormwater drainage, and to ensure the longevity of the trail infrastructure and its use. Establishing and extending a uniform, accessible trail surface will enable more individuals to experience some of the most scenic views and areas within Mill Creek Park.
The project was entirely funded by the generosity of a private donor.
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 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2023, for the Annual Summer Garden Party fundraiser. The proceeds from this event support the renovation of the Children’s Garden and is hosted by the Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens. The Davis Center and Gardens will reopen to the public on Saturday, July 29, 2023 during normal operating hours. For more information, please call 330.740.7116.
Beginning on Monday, July 24, West Park Drive from Old Furnace Road to Lily Pond Drive will be closed for resurfacing work. Work to be completed during this closure includes installation of new asphalt drive lanes, aggregate shoulders and pavement markings. Funding for the project is provided by the OPRA/ODOT Park District Drive Improvement Program and Mill Creek MetroParks.
The project is expected to last approximately one week, barring any inclement weather that would delay or prolong the anticipated project schedule and extend the closure.
Mill Creek MetroParks presents “Bug Day” at the MetroParks Farm (7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd, Canfield) on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 11 am – 3 pm. 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; 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 special Pop-Up Library visit from the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. Mill Creek MetroParks merchandise, snacks, drinks, tractor wagon rides, and a framed photo at the bug-themed photo booth 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 that takes place immediately before the free, public Bug Day! event. This private show will feature The BugMan’s original up-close videos and live bug demonstrations. It is an entertaining and informative up-close and personal presentation that is sure to wow both children and adults. Limited to 30 participants. Registration 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. $15 per person.
Limited parking is free on-site. For more information on this event, please call 330.740.7107 or visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org.
The Education Citizens Advisory Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., in the Education Building – Classroom A, at Ford Nature Center, 840 Old Furnace Road, in Youngstown.