Mill Creek MetroParks Road Closures

There will be multiple road closures throughout Mill Creek MetroParks this weekend due to the YMCA Community Cup and The Green Cathedral Half-Marathon and 5K.

The following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic as well as cyclists and pedestrians from approximately 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2016 for the YMCA Community Cup:

• West Glacier Drive
• West Drive
• Bears Den Drive
• New Cross Drive
• Cross Drive
• West Cohasset Drive
• High Drive
• Chestnut Hill Drive
• East Park Drive
• Valley Drive
• East Glacier Drive
• Memorial Hill Drive
• Robinson Hill Drive 

The following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic as well as cyclists and pedestrians from approximately 6 a.m. until Noon on Sunday, September 11, 2016 for the Green Cathedral Half-Marathon and 5K:

• Bears Den Drive
• Lily Pond Drive
• West Drive
• West Glacier Drive
• Robinson Hill Drive
• East Glacier Drive
• Memorial Hill Drive
• East Cohasset Drive
• East Park Drive
• Valley Drive
• Old Mill Drive
• East Newport Drive
• Kreider’s Entrance
• West Newport Drive
• Chestnut Hill Drive
• High Drive
• West Cohasset Drive

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. For more information about Mill Creek MetroParks, visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org.

Mill Creek MetroParks Bikeway Closures

Beginning on September 2, 2016 sections of the Mill Creek MetroParks Bikeway between Kirk Road and County Line Road will be closed to cyclists and pedestrians, for asphalt pavement preventative maintenance work. The work is expected to continue for several days. The bikeway will reopen once pedestrian traffic is permitted. In the event of inclement weather, the work schedule will be delayed and adjusted accordingly.

Mill Creek MetroParks Memorial Hill Drive to Re-Open

Effective Thursday, September 1, Memorial Hill Drive will re-open to vehicular traffic. Memorial Hill Drive, the historic entrance to Mill Creek Park, stretches from Glenwood Avenue to West Glacier Drive. The drive was closed for a pavement resurfacing and infrastructure improvement project.  The project addressed safety and driving conditions for park patrons, preserved the roadway’s original function and historic features, and restored the user experience along Memorial Hill Drive in Mill Creek Park.

Green Cathedral Race to Benefit Wick Recreation Children’s Play Area

Mill Creek MetroParks will host the 4th annual Green Cathedral on Sunday, September 11. The race will begin and end in the Wick Recreation Area located at 1861 McCollum Rd. in Youngstown, Ohio. Events include The Kids Fun Run beginning at 8:00 a.m., Half Marathon at 8:30 a.m., and the 5K Run/Walk at 8:45 a.m.

 This event is open to competitors of all ages and abilities. Adult participants who register before September 2, will receive an event t-shirt. Awards will be given for the Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk according to appropriate age groups. The Kids Fun Run is free for children 10 and under and children will receive a participation award. The Green Cathedral is sponsored by 21 WFMJ and the CW WBCB. All proceeds will benefit the Juliana Kurinka Children’s Play Area at Wick Recreation Area.

 The Half Marathon registration fee is $35 for Early Bird registration (before September 2) and $40 through race day. The 5K Run/Walk registration fee is $25 Early Bird (before September 2) and $30 through race day. The youth (10 years old and under) Kids Fun Run is free. For more information and to register, visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org or runsignup.com.

Notice of September Board Meeting

The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks has been changed to Thursday, September 8 at 6 p.m. at the MetroParks Farm (7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd., Canfield, OH 44406). The agenda will be available after 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting by visiting www.millcreekmetroparks.org/public-information/

Boy Scouts Install Duck Boxes at Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary

Through the efforts of a dedicated Boy Scout, Luke Bowser, five new duck nesting boxes were installed at Pond #4 at the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on August 6, 2016. The scope of the project consisted of wood duck boxes constructed and installed in accordance with ODNR and Ducks Unlimited standards and recommendations, including predator guards for each box. The project also consisted of the removal of all existing, old nest box posts and components. Luke was required to coordinate/manage the project as part of his Eagle Award. He rallied fellow boy scouts from his troop to help with the efforts.

Wood duck boxes provide a man-made alternative where hens can nest in relative safety from predators, therefore boosting local duck populations.

Mill Creek Park Golf Director and Golf Pro Nominated for Prestigious Northern Ohio PGA Awards

Northern Ohio PGA announced the nominations of Mill Creek Park Golf Director, Brian Tolnar and Golf Pro, Andy Santor earlier this month. Brian has been nominated for three awards: 2016 Northern Ohio PGA Golf Professional of the Year, Bill Strausbaugh Award, and Merchandiser of the Year – Public.  Andy has been nominated for two awards: 2016 Northern Ohio PGA Teacher of the Year and Youth Player Development Award.  

The awards Brian has been nominated bestow special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional who has performed outstanding services as an overall PGA Professional, outstanding qualities of leadership, strong moral character, a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf, and has excelled as business persons/merchandisers in the promotion of golf,.  “I feel very honored to be nominated for these three awards, the game of golf is my passion and to be recognized for doing something that I love is quite an honor”, says Brian.

The awards Andy has been nominated bestow special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional who has performed outstanding services as a golf teacher and coach and has displayed an extraordinary contribution and achievement in the area of youth player development. “I am so privileged to work with the youth in the valley as well as adults to give them a better understanding for the game of golf”, says Andy. “It is very humbling to be nominated for these awards and to know I am making a difference in today’s youth and the future of golf.”

The Northern Ohio PGA is an association of golf professionals.  The mission of the Northern Ohio PGA is to promote interest and enjoyment in the game of golf while enhancing the well-being of its members. The Northern Ohio PGA Awards Committee will vote on this year’s nominees in September. The committee judge’s nominee’s based on a bio that is submitted the beginning of September.  The official awards presentation will take place during the Fall Awards Ceremony at Westfield Group County Club/Cary Blair Center on October 17, 2016.

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, August 21, 2016 for Panerathon:

• Price Road
• Price Road entrance of Fellows Riverside Gardens
• West Glacier Drive
• West Drive
• Slippery Rock Bridge
• Robinson Hill Drive

Memorial Hill Drive and East Glacier Drive remain closed due to construction projects.

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. For more information about Mill Creek MetroParks, visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org.

Mill Creek Golf Course closed August 19

The Mill Creek Golf Course will be closed Friday, August 19 for the Vindicator’s Greatest Golfer of the Valley tournament. Both North and South Courses will be closed. The Course will reopen to the public after 5:30 pm.

For more information about the Mill Creek Golf Course, visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org.

West Gorge Trail in Mill Creek MetroParks to have Boardwalk Replaced

The boardwalk located on West Gorge Trail (Trail #9) is in need of being replaced and as a result, will be closed until further notice.  The West Gorge Trail, which was closed in its entirety on June 23, 2016 as a result of the related boardwalk condition, will be open and available to users as an out and back trail

Park patrons are reminded to observe trail and facility closures to ensure the safety for all those who use Mill Creek MetroParks.