MetroParks Awarded NatureWorks Grant for Disc Golf Course

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Mill Creek MetroParks has been conditionally awarded funding through the twenty-fifth (25th) round of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) NatureWorks grant program. The MetroParks plans to install an 18-hole disc golf course at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield Township. The course will utilize the Farm’s beautiful landscape, changes in topography, and scenic vistas to establish a truly unique recreational experience. 

The construction of a disc golf course continues the MetroParks’ effort to provide additional and diverse recreation opportunities throughout the county, and reinforces the MetroParks’ commitment of securing third-party funding for new active recreation facilities.

This NatureWorks funding is awarded on the condition that the State of Ohio Controlling Board approved the NatureWorks grant awards at its upcoming meeting. The NatureWorks grant provides up to seventy-five percent (75%) funding, namely $16,056.00, for the project. The project, pending approval of the budget by the MetroParks’ Board of Park Commissioners, will be scheduled for construction as a 2019 capital improvement project.

Mahoning Valley Watercolor Society Exhibit Now on Display in Weller Gallery

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Mill Creek MetroParks presents ” Mahoning Valley Watercolor Society: Celebrates Color!” by members of the Watercolor Society, now currently on display in the Weller Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens. This exhibit showcases the variety of styles and interest of this enthusiastic local painting group. Thirty-three (33) artists display their skillful talents with watercolor and other media. The imaginings, color and energy come together as one exhibit not to be missed. Some places are instantly recognizable, others may inspire travel destinations.

 

This free exhibit is being displayed now through January 6, 2019 during normal operating hours of Tuesdays – Sundays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., closed Mondays. A Meet the Artist session will take place on Sunday, November 18, 2018 from 1 – 3 pm in the Weller Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Take this opportunity to meet and visit with these talented, local artists.

 

For more information on this exhibit and/or the Meet the Artist session, visit or call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330.740.7116.

Notice of MetroParks Standing Committee Meetings

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The Nature Education Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Thursday, November 8, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. in Classroom A at the MetroParks Farm.

 

The Environment Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Thursday, November 15, 2018, at 12 noon, in Classroom A at the MetroParks Farm.

 

The Community Engagement Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Friday, November 16, 2018, at 10 a.m. in Classroom A at the MetroParks Farm.

 

The Development Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Friday, November 16, 2018, at 3 p.m. in Classroom A at the MetroParks Farm.

 

The Finance Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 10 a.m. in Classroom A at the MetroParks Farm.

 

The Horticulture Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at 6 p.m. in Classroom A at the MetroParks Farm.

Dividing Sycamore Bridge Rehabilitation Project Planned for Mill Creek Park (PID #107210)

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Mill Creek MetroParks is soliciting public comment for an upcoming bridge improvement project. The proposed project involves improvements to the Dividing Sycamore Bridge located in proximity to the intersection of Bears Den Drive and West Drive. Proposed project activities consist of furnishing labor, materials and equipment necessary to clean, repair, tuck point stone masonry, strengthen the south retaining wall using a tie-back system, repair erosion by installing natural stone-filled gabions along the stream channel, stone curb adjustments, resurfacing of the asphalt concrete pavement over the bridge, and all other tasks incidental to completion of this project.

 

The project is scheduled to begin construction in the summer of 2019 with an estimated construction cost of $205,000. A significant portion (80%) of the projects funding will be provided by ODOT through Federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds ($164,000). The MetroParks will provide the remaining 20% ($41,000) in match funds, as well as professional engineering, contract management and construction project management/inspection services.

 

This project is expected to be complete in approximately sixty (60) days. During construction, the Dividing Sycamore Bridge will be closed to all pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle traffic for approximately forty-five (45) days. A detour route will be provided for vehicular traffic. Construction schedule, bridge closure, and detour information will be posted near the Dividing Sycamore Bridge project site, and on the Mill Creek MetroParks website (www.millcreekmetroparks.org) prior to the start of construction. Access to Lower Bears Den Picnic Area and all other MetroParks facilities will be maintained at all times throughout the project.

 

To ensure the proposed project is viable and successful, Mill Creek MetroParks is seeking comments from the public about the social, environmental, and economic impacts of this proposed project. Environmental impacts include those involving archaeological, architectural and ecological resources, regulated materials and the general location of the project. ODOT 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. Any comments you may have regarding the environmental and/or the proposed project may be submitted by December 7, 2018.

 

All public comments, questions and/or concerns about the project are welcomed, and should be directed to:

 

Mill Creek MetroParks

Re: Nick Derico, Natural Resources Steward

P.O. Box 596

Canfield, Ohio 44406

Phone: 330.702.3000 x 136

Fax: 330.702.3010

nderico@millcreekmetroparks.org

Mill Creek MetroParks Ford Nature Center Receives $1 Million Gift

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The campaign to renovate Mill Creek MetroParks Ford Nature Center received a $1 million challenge grant from the Sand Hill Foundation of Menlo Park, California. The Sand Hill Foundation is a private family foundation established by the late Tom Ford and Susan Ford in 1995. The $3 million campaign to renovate the 106 year old former Robinson Mansion, which houses the Ford Nature Center, has raised $1 million to date. The challenge grant offered by the Sand Hill Foundation will match new donations to the campaign up to $1 million.

The estate was originally gifted to Mill Creek MetroParks in 1968 by the heirs of the late Judge John W. Ford. After a brief period of hosting the park’s administration offices, the site was transformed into the Ford Nature Center in 1972. Since then, many generations of Valley residents have enjoyed the exhibits, programs, walking trails and special events contained within the MetroParks. The Center receives over 14,000 school children visits every year.

“On behalf of the staff of the MetroParks and the board of directors of the Mill Creek MetroParks Foundation, I would like to express my gratitude to Susan Ford Dorsey for this generous gift. This gift will allow us to not only extend the mission of educating the park’s visitors about the natural wonders of the world for generations to come, but it also extends the wonderful legacy of the Ford Family here at Mill Creek,” says Chris Litton, Mill Creek MetroParks Director of Development.

Mill Creek MetroParks Parking Lot Closures

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Multiple parking lots throughout Mill Creek Park will be temporarily closed for the MetroParks annual pavement markings project. The work is scheduled to begin on Thursday, October 25, 2018, and will continue for several days. Lots will reopen once vehicular traffic is permitted. Several of the prominent lots scheduled for work include the following:

·         East Golf Bike & Hike Trail – South (State Route 224 Parking Lot)

·         Golf Course – South Lot

·         Ford Nature Center Parking Area

·         Pioneer Pavilion

·         Lower Bears Den – East and West

Several minor lots along West Newport Drive and West Glacier Drive will also be affected. While the lots are closed, the facilities they support will remain open and accessible for public use. Rentals and scheduled programming will not be impacted by this project. Please use alternate parking lots to access these facilities when lots are closed.

 

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

Mill Creek Park Golf Staff Win Prestigious Northern Ohio PGA Awards

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Mill Creek Golf Course Head Professional, Andy Santor has won the 2018 Northern Ohio PGA Sections Teacher of the Year Award. The “PGA Teacher of the Year Award” bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional who has performed outstanding services as a golf teacher and coach. The Teacher of the Year Award is designed to recognize a PGA Professional who is an outstanding teacher of golf among the ranks of PGA membership. This award is based on a professional’s overall performance in teaching; unusual, innovative and special teaching programs initiated or implemented; articles published; as well as outstanding golfers the professional has instructed.

 

Mill Creek MetroParks PGA Director of Golf, Brian Tolnar also took home the 2018 Northern Ohio PGA Sections Merchandiser of the Year Award. The Merchandiser of the Year Award signifies the PGA Professional who has excelled as a business person in merchandising and promotion of the game of golf.  Demonstration of skill in planning and promotion of sales by presenting products to his/her market on a timely basis, and through the use of specialized merchandising techniques that include display and advertising. The PGA honors PGA Professionals in three categories: Private, Public and Resort facilities. This marks the third time Brian has achieved this award dating back to 2016 for the Northern Ohio PGA section while at Mill Creek Golf Course and in 2013 for the Western New York PGA Section while at Blue Heron Hills Golf Club in Rochester, NY. 

 

An awards ceremony hosted by the Northern Ohio PGA Section was held on Monday, October 22, 2018 at the Westfield Country Clubs Cary Blair Center in Westfield Center, OH.

Mill Creek Golf Course to hold Snowbird Scramble Tournament

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The 4th Annual Snowbird Scramble Tournament at Mill Creek Golf Course will take place on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. The event format is a four player team scramble with severe pin placements. Teams can be made up of any combination men, women, seniors or juniors. Men will play the white tee markers, women will play the red markers, seniors (60+) & juniors (16 & under) will play the gold tee markers. Entry Fee of $45/Player, $180/Team includes: greens fees, cart fees, chili cookout, event purse and skill event prizes. An optional skins game will be available during the day of play. Register by stopping in or calling the Mill Creek Golf Course at 330.740.7112.

For more information about the Mill Creek Golf Course, visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org.

Notice of MetroParks Standing Committee Meetings

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The Horticulture Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Monday, October 22, 2018, at 6 p.m. in McMahon Hall at the MetroParks Farm.

 

The Community Engagement Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Friday, October 26, 2018, at 10 a.m. in Classroom A at the MetroParks Farm.

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 7 a.m. until Noon on Sunday, October 21, 2018 for the Youngstown Peace Race:

 

• High Drive

• Chestnut Hill Drive

• East Park Drive

• Valley Drive

• West Cohasset Drive

• Bears Den Drive

• West Drive

• West Glacier Drive

• Price Road

• Price Road entrance of Fellows Riverside Gardens

 

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.