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.

Mill Creek MetroParks Parking Lot Closures

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Multiple parking lots and asphalt surfaces throughout Mill Creek Park will be temporarily closed for the MetroParks annual asphalt sealing and preventive maintenance project. The work is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 19, 2017. Lots will be closed for several days and will reopen once vehicular traffic is permitted. Several of the prominent lots and surfaces scheduled for work include the following:

·         Lanterman’s Mill (Main Parking Lot)

·         Newport Wetlands

·         Davies Wetland Trail (Newport Wetlands Trail)

·         East Golf Bike & Hike – North (Shields Road Parking Lots)

Several minor lots along East Newport Drive and West Newport 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.

Notice of MetroParks Special Board Meeting

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The Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, July 17, 2017, at 6:30 pm at the MetroParks Farm. The only agenda item is Executive Session, to discuss pending or imminent court action, and to consider the appointment, employment, discipline, or compensation of public employees.

Mill Creek MetroParks gets state funds for land acquisition

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The Ohio Public Works Commission has awarded Mill Creek MetroParks $43,980 from the commission’s Clean Ohio Conservation Fund.

Those funds will cover 75 percent of the $58,640 cost of acquiring five undeveloped parcels located on the west side of Glenwood Avenue and the south side of Devonshire Drive.

MetroParks Planning & Operations Director Steve Avery said the parcels, which comprise 2.86 acres, are located in wooded areas that are adjacent to park land.

The acquisition is part of an effort by the MetroParks to obtain and preserve open space in the Glenwood Avenue corridor.

View the full article at vindy.com