The next meeting of the Environment Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Friday, December 15, 2017, at 10 a.m., in Classroom A at the MetroParks Farm, on Rt. 46 in Canfield.
Effective Friday, December 8, the following roads in Mill Creek Park will be closed to vehicular traffic for the winter:
• Chestnut Hill Drive between Canfield Road and the Kirkmere Spur
• High Drive between the Kirkmere Spur and West Cohasset Drive
• Calvary Run Drive between Belle Vista Avenue and Milton Avenue
When closed to vehicular traffic, these roads are available for recreational use for hiking, cross country skiing and sledding. Aside from recreational opportunities, benefits of winter road closures include cost savings associated with snow/ice removal as well as a reduction of negative environmental impacts from deicing salt. All roads will reopen in the spring when weather permits.
In the winter months, snow and ice can create slippery roadway conditions. Roads with limited shoulders, lack of guardrails and steep grades can become increasingly hazardous for motorists. Always use caution when driving on MetroParks roads. For more information about Mill Creek MetroParks, visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org or call 330.702.3000.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.