Mill Creek Golf Course will be hosting the U.S. Kids Golf Tournament on Saturday, September 29, 2018 on the South Course. This one-day tournament provides juniors the opportunity to advance to State, Regional, and World Championships. Local Tours are designed for the beginning competitive golfer, as each event provides a fun environment where kids can develop their skills. The event will host junior golfers from around the world in the 5 – 14 age division.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to add the U.S. Kids Tournament to our schedule this September at Mill Creek Golf Course. The event will allow us to showcase the MetroParks to junior golfers and their families from all across the United States. Events such as this support the local community and make a strong financial impact to the Mahoning Valley,” says Brian Tolnar, Mill Creek PGA Director of Golf.

About U.S. Kids Golf Tournament

The mission of U.S. Kids Golf is to help kids have fun learning the lifelong game of golf and to encourage family interaction that builds lasting memories. Today, with more than 900 tournaments organized yearly in 50+ markets, players, ages 5 to 14, learn to compete in their local community and then advance to State, Regional, and World Championships. Local Tours are designed for the beginning competitive golfer, as each event provides a fun environment where kids can develop their skills. Two-day events like our State invitational tournaments and Regional Championships are ranked by Junior Golf Scoreboard and are the next step for competitive junior golfers. At each level, players may earn Green, Orange, or Blue Status in order to gain entry into more challenging events. 

U.S. Kids Golf was started as a family business desiring to stay true to the mission and purpose of bringing kids into the game. Because providing the right equipment needed to be coupled with improved programs, coaching, and opportunity for competition, like other organized sports, the Foundation was started. The vision of families spending time together outdoors and playing golf is our true passion, and many people throughout the golf industry have joined us in our efforts.  We are thankful for our role in giving kids the lifelong game of golf.

The Mill Creek Golf Course will be closed the morning of Saturday, July 7, 2018 due to a scheduled private event. Both North and South Courses will be closed. The Course will reopen to the public at 2:00 pm. The Practice Facility and Wick Recreation Par-3 Course will be open for normal play during the day of the event.

Mill Creek MetroParks Naturalists Educators have completed training through the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) to earn the title of Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG). The CIG certification recognizes William Gilmour, Brenda Markley, Kimberly Moff, Nicholas Parish, Cody Stoll, Marilyn Williams, and Lynn Zocolo in having completed 32 hours of coursework, demonstrated proficiency in interpretive knowledge and skills through a written test, a practical program outline, and an interpretive presentation given to their peers and instructors. The certification course is designed to help professionals develop competence in the use of standard recognized principles of interpretation, in order to provide enjoyable, relevant, and quality programming to visitors. An interpreter’s basic responsibility is to plan and deliver programs which help visitors to experience, appreciate, and forge a connection to natural and cultural resources in places such as parks.

 NAI is the professional organization, recognized nationally and worldwide, which supports individuals working in the field of interpreting natural & cultural heritage by encouraging leadership and excellence in the field.

On Monday, June 11, 2018, from approximately 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., the Ellsworth Fire Department will be conducting search and rescue training at Buckeye Horse Park/Vickers Nature Preserve in Ellsworth Township.

For more information, contact the Ellsworth Fire Department at 330.538.2321.

Mill Creek MetroParks presents Family Camp in the Park June 23 at 9 a.m. through June 24 at 1 p.m. on the Judge Morley Lawn in the Wick Recreation Area. This fun family camping experience is structured to provide many fun activities to participate in both during the day and through the evening. Enjoy nature programs, hikes, crafts, family & children’s outdoor fun and an evening campfire! Judge Morley Pavilion area will be closed to non-participants from 9 am Saturday until 1 pm Sunday, with the area being closely monitored.

 Family Camp in the Park is sponsored by WFMJ/WBCB. Space is limited; register by June 17 with an additional fee after deadline. Participant fee is $10 (resident), $15 (nonresident), under 2 free. Price includes some meals, structured activities, complementary MCMP activity pass, and, of course, s’mores around the campfire. Limited tent rental available for $15 per tent. Registration will include additional program and set-up details and equipment list. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. For more information or to register, visit or call Ford Nature Center at 330.740.7107.