Completion of New Comfort Station at East Newport Boat Launch

As part of the MetroParks’ ongoing capital improvement initiative, Mill Creek MetroParks is pleased to announce the completion of a new comfort station at the East Newport Boat Launch. This improvement includes the installation of a new precast concrete vault restroom and the installation of a new concrete walkway. This new ADA accessible facility addresses the need for a restroom facility at the East Newport Boat Launch and for the East Newport Hike & Bike Trail. Special thanks is given to MetroParks Commissioner Thomas Shipka and his wife Katie, CXT Inc., Steel Valley Contractors, and Land Approach Ltd. for their contribution towards the completion of this project. 

 The facility is currently open for use. In total, the cost of these improvements is approximately $28,000.

Completion of Capital Improvement Projects at Mill Creek Golf Course

As part of the MetroParks’ ongoing capital improvement initiative, Mill Creek MetroParks has recently completed two improvement projects at the Mill Creek Golf Course: Restoration of the South Course bunkers and expansion of the cart staging area at the Field House. 

 The bunker restoration project addressed thirty-six (36) bunkers throughout Mill Creek’s South Course. Work included excavation of existing sand and soil, installation of new conduit and gravel for improved drainage, and installation of new sand and sod. The contractor, Golf Preservations, Inc., was awarded the project in September for $219,870.00. 

The cart staging area project included construction of two additional parking bays for golf carts. The project included excavation and demolition work, installation of new concrete parking bays, a concrete plaza and asphalt cart paths, along with additional soil and drainage work. The $58,787.50 project was awarded to Parella-Pannunzio, Inc. in September. 

Mill Creek MetroParks presents Winter Celebration: Toyland

From December 2 through December 31, the D. D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center will be adorned for the annual Winter Celebration event, which is sponsored by WKBN 27 First News. This year’s theme, “Toyland” can be experienced by visitors Tuesdays – Sundays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. with special extended hours on Saturdays.  

Bring the family to “come play!”, as you discover Toyland in the Davis Center. Show your kids favorite games and toys from your past as you wander amongst giant game pieces, ten-foot toy soldiers, and more. Plus, participate in a scavenger hunt, and of course, the beauty of seasonal blooms. Guests will also be able to experience the annual tree walk on display throughout the Davis Center where non-profit organizations display their uniquely decorated trees.

Every Saturday in December, the Gardens will be open until 7 p.m. for guests to experience Winter Celebration Nights. The celebration of winter beauty with an outdoor light display, near the Davis Center, the Toy Workshop and Reindeer Games. Plus, find that perfect gift at the Shop in the Gardens and savor refreshments available for purchase in the Garden Café.

Mill Creek MetroParks, Fellows Riverside Gardens is proud to present this family-friendly free event. In the spirit of giving, non-perishable food item donations are being accepted for the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley. Please note special dates for Visitor Center hours include being CLOSED on Mondays.

Spend Your Holiday Weekend in Mill Creek MetroParks

Kick off your holiday weekend with a Black Friday Sale at the Mill Creek Golf Course Golf Shop on November 24. Stop in from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. to get your favorite golfers something special for next season.

On Saturday, November 25 and Sunday, November 26 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. visit Lanterman’s Mill for Olde Fashioned Christmas at Lanterman’s Mill. Sponsored by 21 WFMJ/WBCB, guests will be able to see Lanterman’s Mill dressed in holiday finery for this traditional, family-friendly, free event. Taste chestnuts roasted on an open fire, watch artisans demonstrate old fashioned crafts, purchase unique handcrafted gifts, and enjoy festive entertainment. To share the holiday spirit with others, bring a new hat, scarf, or pair of mittens to decorate a “Giving Tree.” Donated items will warm up children in need this winter.

On Sunday, November 26 head over to the MetroParks Farm for Santa’s Winter Barn. From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Santa will make an appearance with some of his animal friends from around the world as he gets his reindeer ready for that big night. Come sit in his sleigh for a holiday picture and make a holiday craft to take home. The family-friendly free event is held in the barn which is not heated, so dress appropriately. There is a $1 fee for the children’s holiday craft.

 

Notice of November Board Meeting

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will be held on Monday, November 13, 2017, at 6 p.m. in McMahon Hall, at the MetroParks Farm, in Canfield, on Rt. 46. The agenda will be available after 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

Notice of MetroParks Standing Committee Meeting

The Wildlife Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners will meet on Thursday, November 9, 2017, at 3 p.m. in Classroom A at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield.

Completion of Capital Improvement Project Reopens West Newport Drive

As part of the MetroParks’ ongoing capital improvement initiative, Mill Creek MetroParks has reopened to vehicular traffic West Newport Drive in Mill Creek Park between Canfield Road (Route 62) and Hampton Drive. The section of drive was closed since early October for an extensive improvement project. The project, awarded to Shelly & Sands Inc. for $183,420.75, was designed to improve stormwater drainage and roadway surface conditions for park users. The improvements included replacement of catch basins and stormwater conduit, linear grading and ditching, resetting historic sandstone curb, pavement planing, new courses of asphalt, and pavement marking. 

Mill Creek MetroParks Road Closures

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 22, 2017 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.

Mill Creek Golf Course to hold Snowbird Scramble Tournament

The 3rd Annual Snowbird Scramble Tournament at Mill Creek Golf Course will take place on Sunday, November 12, 2017 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. “It’s a great way to usher out the 2017 golf season at Mill Creek Golf Course in a relaxing tournament setting with friends and family. The format makes this event a lot of fun for area golfers who will see the flags placed in some unusual hole locations,” says Brian Tolnar, PGA Director of Golf at Mill Creek Golf Course.

Entry Fee of $45/Player, $180/Team includes: greens fees, cart fees, chili cookout, event purse and skill event prizes. An option 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.

Notice of MetroParks Standing Committee Meetings

The Wildlife Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, at 6 p.m., in Classroom A at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield. 

The Community Engagement Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Thursday, October 19, 2017, at 10:30 a.m., in Classroom A at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield.

The Horticulture Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Monday, October 30, 2017, at 6 p.m., in Birch Hill Cabin, near the Lily Pond in Mill Creek Park.