Mill Creek MetroParks is soliciting public comment for an upcoming trail construction project. The proposed project involves construction of the East Park Hike and Bike Trail Phase II, located parallel to East Park Drive approximately 0.15-miles north of Canfield Road (US-62). Other local landmarks include Lanterman’s Mill located approximately 0.20-miles south (across Route US-62) and the Suspension Bridge located approximately 0.52 miles north (along Valley Drive).

The proposed East Park Hike & Bike Trail Phase II is a continuation of an enhancement project constructed by the MetroParks in 2019 to provide increased safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists as they travel through the East Park Corridor. Phase I of the East Park Hike & Bike Trail, consisting of about 750 feet of 8-foot-wide paved asphalt trail, was completed as part of the East Park Drive/U.S. Route 62 roadway resurfacing/intersection improvement project completed by Mill Creek MetroParks and the City of Youngstown, respectively.

Construction of the proposed East Park Hike & Bike Trail Phase II section, at approximately 1700 feet of 8-foot-wide paved asphalt trail, will enhance the trail connectivity of Mill Creek Park, as this proposed trail section is the final connection to complete a 7+ mile continuous trail system dedicated to pedestrian and bicyclist traffic that extends from U.S. 224 in Boardman Township to Old Furnace Road in the City of Youngstown.

The estimated total project cost is $170,000 with 80% funded by the ODOT Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and 20% funded by Mill Creek MetroParks.  Project construction is currently planned for the spring of 2022.

To ensure the proposed project is viable and successful, Mill Creek MetroParks is seeking input from the public regarding the proposed project and the social, environmental, and economic impacts. Environmental impacts include those involving archaeological, architectural, and ecological resources, regulated materials, and the general location of the project. Mill Creek MetroParks 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.

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires agency officials to consider the effects of their actions on historic properties. The Section 106 process seeks to incorporate historic values into project planning through consultation among agencies, and other parties, with an interest in the effects of the undertaking on historic properties. Individuals or organizations with a demonstrated interest in the effects of the undertaking on historic properties, including the Mill Creek Park Historic District, can become a Section 106 consulting party. The various consulting parties work together to discuss options, provide multiple viewpoints, and strive to seek common agreement on the incorporation of historic preservation values into the project.   If you are interested in becoming a Section 106 consulting party or have general questions/comments concerning the environmental process, please contact Sean Carpenter, Environmental Specialist at (330) 786-2274 or by electronic mail at sean.carpenter@dot.ohio.gov.

To learn more about the proposed project, please participate in the Virtual Open House at www.millcreekmetroparks.org/east-park. All public comments, questions and/or concerns about the project are welcomed, and should be directed to:

 

Nick Derico, Natural Resources Steward
330.702.3000, Ext 136
nderico@millcreekmetroparks.org
Mill Creek MetroParks
7574 Columbiana Canfield Rd.
Canfield, Ohio 44406
All Comments Must be Submitted by October 18^th, 2021

 

 

Beginning the week of Tuesday, September 7, 2021, the MetroParks Bikeway between Herbert Road and Kirk Road, in addition to the Westbury Park Spur Trail, will be closed for improvements and resurfacing. The Kirk Road Trailhead will remain open and accessible while the improvements are being performed. Work will include cleaning and surface preparation, treatment of existing cracks, full-depth pavement repair, installation of new asphalt, furnishing and placing topsoil and compacted aggregate along shoulders, and any incidental items of work as required for the project.

Work is expected to last no longer than fourteen (14) days, barring any inclement weather that would delay or prolong the anticipated project schedule.

Please visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org for additional project information or contact Mill Creek MetroParks at 330-702-3000 with questions.

 

The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, August 9, 2021, at 6 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 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek MetroParks will be closed to the public beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 30, 2021, for the Annual Summer Garden Party fundraiser. This event is hosted by the Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens. The Gardens will reopen to the public on Saturday morning, July 31, 2021. For more information, please call 330.740.7116.