The Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) has announced its 2022 Annual Awards of Excellence winners. Mill Creek MetroParks’ Ford Nature Center Redevelopment Project placed second in the Capital Improvement – $2.5 Million and Up category of the competition. The awards are judged by a panel of parks and recreation professionals from around Ohio. “Parks and recreation professionals throughout Ohio work every day to improve the quality of life of the people they serve,” said OPRA Executive Director Woody Woodward.  “This effort is a shining example of that kind of work, and we are pleased to be able to present this award.”

The redevelopment project’s main objective, to better serve nature education needs of the community, was reached through improving, upgrading, and expanding the facility’s function, all while maintaining its historical and physical presence. Reconfiguration of interior spaces was needed to enhance and expand public programming with new and improved interpretive and interactive exhibits, interchangeable displays, and new wayfinding signage. Improved accessibility was also a prominent change. The grounds of the Ford Nature Center now strengthen the critical educational and recreational link between Mill Creek Park and the surrounding neighborhood. The connections between nature and humankind are on display both throughout the exterior and interior spaces of the Center.  A new rooftop garden was installed above the new basement exhibit hall.  A new wildflower meadow incorporating over two dozen native forbs and grasses can be viewed from numerous perspectives.  Additionally, the formal landscape incorporated native plant species throughout all of the beds including the Ohio woodland garden and bird viewing area.

“We are honored to be recognized for this capital improvement project and the vision of bringing enhanced nature education to the community while maintaining the historical and physical presence of the Ford Nature Center,” says Aaron Young, Executive Director. “With the redevelopment project completed, we are looking to put the finishing touches on the new exhibits and unveiling them to the public very soon.”

The OPRA Annual Awards of Excellence will be presented at a banquet hosted by the association on January 31, 2023 in Sandusky, Ohio.

Mill Creek MetroParks is seeking proposals from prospective vendors to oversee the food and beverage operation at the Wick Recreation Area in Youngstown, OH. This exciting opportunity includes the Wick Snack Hut located inside the renovated Warming House, recreational leagues food and beverage requests, and the Morley Concert Series food and beverage needs. The Wick Snack Hut food and beverage operation encompasses multiple children’s playground areas including a wet playground, Par-3 golf course, tennis courts, volleyball courts, baseball fields, softball fields, Dek hockey and a small banquet/party room. The Wick Warming House Renovations are expected to be completed in 2023.

Please contact Mill Creek MetroParks at 330-719-2302 for proposal information or with questions. Completed proposals are to be submitted in a pdf format via e-mail to btolnar@millcreekmetroparks.org by 4:30 pm local time on November 30, 2022.

Beginning Tuesday, November 1, 2022, construction will be underway in Mill Creek Park for the construction of the East Park Hike & Bike Trail – Phase II. Work will consist of clearing, stump removal, excavation, embankment, placing aggregate base, placing asphalt concrete, and miscellaneous related items. A portion of the Lanterman’s Mill Overflow parking lot will be used by the contractor for staging equipment and will remain open for use by the public. No roads, trails, programs, special events or rentals will be impacted by these temporary closures. The project is expected to last approximately sixty (60) days in total, barring any inclement weather that would delay or prolong the anticipated project schedule.

The following in Mill Creek MetroParks will be closed to vehicular traffic, as well as cyclists and pedestrians from approximately 6:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., on Sunday, October 23, 2022, for the Youngstown Marathon:

Bears Den Drive

Birch Hill Drive (South of Lily Pond Parking Lot)

West Drive

West Glacier Drive

Weaver Road and Lower Gate of Fellows Riverside Gardens

Price Road

Slippery Rock Bridge

Memorial Hill Drive

Robinson Hill Drive

East Cohasset Drive

West Cohasset Drive

Cascade Drive

Valley Drive

West Valley Drive

East Park Drive

Old Mill Drive

East Newport Drive

Kreider’s Entrance

West Newport Drive

East Golf Drive & parking areas both at Route 224 and Shields Road

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.