“Natural Selection: Discoveries in Bloom” Art Exhibit Displayed in Weller Gallery

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The Weller Gallery in the Davis Visitor Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens presents “Natural Selection: Discoveries in Bloom” by artist, Doug McLarty. His nature based images make use of intricate and often whimsical botanical designs along with unusual material combinations to help us discover and appreciate the richness of nature’s diversity. McLarty uses digital scanning technology to reveal unique patterns and perspectives for the viewer. His work is aimed at creating a dramatically heightened “zone of intimacy” with nature. This is an individual’s personal “perception zone” where recognition of one’s surroundings is heightened, narrowed and focused.

This free exhibit is being displayed now through September 17, 2017. On Sunday, August 6 from 1 – 3 pm a Meet the Artist session is available in the Weller Gallery. Take this opportunity to meet and visit with Doug McLarty and learn the process of his art.

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

Financial impact from the 2017 AJGA Junior All-Star Tournament

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The official financial impact numbers are in from the 2017 Mill Creek Foundation AJGA Junior All-Star Tournament. The event had total economic impact of $355,219.00 in 2017 and $713,297.00 over the past two years for the Mahoning Valley. In addition, it raised over $20,000.00+ for local charities.

 

“We’re excited to be a part of a national tournament that does so much for our local economy financially. This years numbers were higher than expected. Our goal is to be the leader for golf in the Mahoning Valley and events like this are a huge positive for growing the game of golf in Ohio. We can’t thank everyone enough for those who sponsored, played, and volunteered to be part of this event” Brian Tolnar, PGA Director of Golf

Fellows Riverside Gardens closed for Annual Summer Garden Party

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Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek MetroParks will be closed to the public beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 28 for the Annual Summer Garden Party fundraiser. This event is hosted by the Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens. The Gardens will reopen to the public on Saturday morning, July 29. For more information call 330-740-7116.

Completion of Capital Improvement Project at Hitchcock Woods

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As part of the MetroParks’ ongoing capital improvement initiative, Mill Creek MetroParks’ is pleased to announce the completion of several site enhancements at the Hitchcock Woods facility in Boardman Township. These improvements primarily include the installation of an aggregate parking lot on Hitchcock Road (across from Deerpath Drive) and the completion of a 1.4 mile hiking trail loop. The trail loop meanders through a variety of habitats, including wetlands and upland forests, and provides users excellent views of Sawmill Run. This project provides visitors easier access to the Hitchcock Woods facility and helps to enhance the overall user experience for those who visit the site.

Mill Creek MetroParks East Cohasset Improvement Project to begin in Early August

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Mill Creek MetroParks is expected to begin the East Cohasset Improvement Project in early August 2017 with a completion date by the end of October. The East Cohasset Bike & Hike Trail in Mill Creek Park (the northerly 1.07 miles of trail, from the Ottawa Entrance to Old Furnace Road) will be closed for public use during construction. The work will consist of various improvements which will improve stormwater drainage and surfacing of the trail, including replacement of drainage pipe and structures, cleaning & repointing stone retaining walls and installation of new asphalt pavement. The MetroParks secured a federal Transportation Alternatives Program grant for the project which will supply 80% of the construction cost.

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

Mill Creek Park Board gives director contract extension, raise

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With two-and-a-half years still left on Executive Director Aaron Young’s contract, a majority of Mill Creek MetroParks Commissioners decided to give him a three-year extension and a raise.

The vote came Monday after an executive session but was not made public until Wednesday by way of a statement from the commissioners. WKBN 27 First News was never sent a copy of the statement.

The statement about Young’s three-year contract extension — during which his salary will go from $92,000 to $112,000 a year — speaks to Mill Creek’s long-term plan.

“There’s a five-year plan that’s being initiated,” said Lee Frey, president of Mill Creek Park’s commissioners. “We wanted to give him the opportunity to finish that plan.”

Frey was one of four commissioners who voted for the extension and raise.

Tom Shipka was the lone “no” vote. He was okay with a raise through the end of Young’s contract but he did not want an extension.

“The board has just adopted a set of goals for guidance of the executive director,” Shipka said. “I wanted to observe how he performed within the framework of those goals.”

A year ago, large crowds at commissioners meetings demanded Young be fired after he abruptly terminated 13 park employees.

Bill Adams has been an outspoken critic of Aaron Young and the commissioners. He was not happy with how the decision on the extension and raise was made.

“They had this meeting — a private executive session — no prior notice that this was even on the agenda or even on the radar,” Adams said. “It’s what they call a fait accompli.”

“Now, Aaron’s worked very effectively, I think, with the board,” Frey said. “But those people are unforgiving. So what are you going to do? There is nothing that can possibly be done that will ever change their mind.”

Shipka called the contract extension premature, saying he wanted to see how Young would work with the seven new committees formed to help the commissioners make decisions.

Attempts to contact Young for comment were not successful.

View the full article at wkbn.com

Mill Creek Park Executive Director gets 3-year extension

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Embattled Mill Creeks Metro Parks Executive Director Aaron Young is holding on to his position for another three years.

Mill Creek’s Park Board approved the extension on Monday with a 4-1 vote. Young will receive a raise, as well, and is now on track to make $97,000 this year. His salary jumps from $92,000 to $112,000 per year.

Members of the board said Wednesday night they’re working on a new five-year plan for the park and keeping Young adds continuity to their long-term plans.

But not everyone is a fan of this decision.

“I was amenable to modest increases over the last couple of years to his current five-year contract,” said park Commisioner Tom Shipka, who voted against it. “But since we’re only halfway through his current five-year contract, I felt it inappropriate to grant an extension at this juncture.”

The decision was made following an executive session at the regularly scheduled meeting, which commissioners say there was a public vote on.

In a press release, Mill Creek Park praised Young, calling him a “recognized leader among those who manage park districts.”

“There’s a five-year plan that is being initiated,” Commission President Lee Frey said. “And we wanted to give him the opportunity to finish that plan. I think that’s important. He’s gone along with all the different changes we have made.”

But those opposed to Young, like Youngstown resident Bill Adams, have a lot to say about Young’s extended term.

“Just sticking with the facts, it doesn’t make any sense,” Adams said. “It’s such a glowing review, it makes you wonder, ‘Are we talking about the same thing?’

“He’s in the middle of a five-year contract,” Adams added. “At this point, if they wanted to buy him out of a contract, it’s relatively inexpensive. But by increasing the length of the contract and giving him a raise, it’s like they’re done with that.”

MetroParks board grants Aaron Young raises of 5, 3 and 3 percent

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A three-year rollover contract and a pay increase was approved by the Mill Creek Metroparks Board of Directors Monday for Executive Director Aaron Young.

The new contract – when added to the remaining two years of his current contract – will keep him in his position through 2022.

Along with the contract extension, Young will receive a pay increase; a 5 percent increase in 2017 followed by 3 percent increases each year after.

After the pay raise, Young’s salary in 2017 will be $97,125. His final salary in 2022 will be $112,594.

Lee Frey, board president, said the salary increase will bring Young up to a “midrange” salary based on a 2009 board salary suggestion.

“Compared to other parks, what we’re offering is low and we’ll stay low,” Frey said.

View the full article at vindy.com

Reptile & Amphibian Show to be held August 6 at MetroParks Farm

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Have you ever wondered what a tortoise eats? Have you ever seen a Tegu? Are you curious about snakes and salamanders? Mill Creek MetroParks presents the Reptile & Amphibian Show Sunday, August 6 from 11 am – 4 pm at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield. Bring the whole family to the Reptile & Amphibian Show to learn more about these impressive creatures from experts and through engaging activities. Members of the Northern Ohio Association of Herpetologists (NOAH) and Keith Gisser of “Herps Alive” will have their menageries on exhibit. Activities include reptile feedings, a snake treasure hunt, crafts, and more.

The Reptile & Amphibian Show is sponsored by 21 WFMJ/WBCB. This is a free, family-friendly event. For more information visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org or call the Ford Nature Center at 330.740.7107.

Mill Creek MetroParks Veggie Gardens Celebrates 25th Anniversary

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Where can children get their hands dirty and have good clean fun? At the Children’s Vegetable Gardening Program, that’s where! The Children’s Vegetable Gardening Program (Veggie Gardens) at Mill Creek MetroParks is growing gardeners and smiles all summer long! Celebrating 25 years of growing gardeners, vegetables and smiles, Veggie Gardens (as it is affectionately called) continues to be a busy summer place for planting, harvesting and gardening activities. 

The first Veggie Gardens class was held at Fellows Riverside Gardens in the summer of 1992.  In 1998, the program moved to the MetroParks Educational Farm in Canfield due to the construction of the D.D. & Velma Davis Education and Visitor Center. This unique gardening program, sponsored by Mill Creek MetroParks – Fellows Riverside Gardens, is a 2-year hands-on independent gardening program for children who have completed second grade and older. Each child has his/her own 3′ x 10′ garden to tend all summer long. The focus is on basic gardening skills as each child plants, waters, weeds, and harvests their own garden. Lessons are fun, engaging and informative to include hands-on activities and cooking. An important part of the program are the Green Thumbs. Green Thumbs are youth volunteers who have completed the 2 year program and return as volunteers to mentor the young Veggie Gardeners. The Green Thumbs along with dedicated adult volunteers have helped power this amazing program over the past 25 years.

Classes meet one Saturday each month from March through June from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  During summer break, classes meet every Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. through August. The final class is a clean-up day on a Saturday in September. The fee for the class helps to cover seeds, plants, tools and activity supplies.

All Veggie Gardens’ alumni gardeners and volunteers are invited to join the celebration at the Family Harvest Picnic on Wednesday, August 16 from 6 – 9 pm at the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm in Canfield.  Please RSVP to 330-740-7116 by August 3, 2017.