At the May 16 meeting of the Board of Commissioners it was voted to extend the hours of East Golf Hike & Bike Trail, located in Boardman Township, to match those of the existing MetroParks Bikeway. Both facilities will now be open year round to the public from 5:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.

“Extending the hours for East Golf Hike & Bike Trail to match those of the MetroParks Bikeway provides the opportunity for park users to access these facilities at times that better fits their schedule. Under the previous hours East Golf closed at dark, which for much of the year here in Ohio is before 6:00 p.m., making it near impossible for many to enjoy the trail after work. We hope this change will allow for more access to the facility for those seeking recreational opportunities in the MetroParks.” states Aaron Young, Executive Director for Mill Creek MetroParks.

The 1.5-mile East Golf Hike & Bike Trail runs from Route 224 to Shields Rd. and provides an asphalt surface for joggers, walkers, bikers, skaters, and in the snowy season—cross country skiers. Parking lots are located at each end of the trail and a pedestrian bridge across Mill Creek connects the trail with Golf Course amenities and additional parking. Restrooms, a drinking fountain, and an information kiosk are located on the trail.

The MetroParks Bikeway runs from Western Reserve Rd. in Canfield Township to the Mahoning/Trumbull County Line in Austintown Township. The almost 11-mile paved trail is part of the Great Ohio Lake to River Greenway and offers a variety of scenery for hikers, skaters, and bicyclists. Parking is available at the MetroParks Farm and the Mahoning Ave. and Kirk Road Trailheads.

Both facilities are closed to traffic, except at intersection on the MetroParks Bikeway, however neither facility is lite for nighttime use. Park goers planning to use the facilities after dark should take necessary safety precautions such as reflective clothing, headlights and taillights on bikes, and carrying a flashlight when walking or jogging.

For more information visit www.millcreekmetroparks.com or www.trailsidebicyclecompany.com.

The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks has been scheduled for Monday, May 16 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.

Mill Creek MetroParks will be conducting a public open house at the MetroParks Farm (7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Canfield, OH 44406) on Thursday, May 5, 2016 from 6:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m. to discuss Phase III of the MetroParks Bikeway.  The general public is invited to ask questions and share comments about Bikeway Phase III planning and implementation efforts.  Phase III is the proposed section of bikeway through Green Township that will connect the existing MetroParks Bikeway at Western Reserve Road to Columbiana County near Route 14 in the Village of Washingtonville. 

Aerial mapping and plan drawings of the project will be on display, and MetroParks personnel will be on-hand to answer questions from the public.  Additionally, organizations with a focus on planning, trail development and bicycling will have informational tables set up and staffed.  The open house will not include a formal presentation, but written project information and comment sheets will be provided to those who attend.  Written comments can be furnished to the MetroParks at the public meeting or mailed to the MetroParks (PO Box 596, Canfield, Ohio 44406) by Monday, June 6, 4:30 PM.  A summary of public comments received during the public comment period and responses to comments will be prepared and they will to be posted on the Mill Creek MetroParks website within 60 days of the public comment period closure date.  Go to www.MillCreekMetroParks.org and click “Public Information” under the “About Us” menu.

For several years now, the MetroParks has been working with consultants on the development and implementation of the Bikeway Phase III project.  Illustrative mapping with trail alignment, environmental impacts, property identification, and preliminary design for the project have been developed.  The open house will give the public a chance to view these documents, ask questions, and interact with personnel from the MetroParks and local agencies. 

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried-out by ODOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 11, 2015, and executed by FHWA and ODOT.  The proposed project will not impact any cultural resources, suspect hazardous waste sites or result in substantial impacts to ecological resources. The project will not result in substantial impacts to the environment either individually or cumulatively.  In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (codified as 36 CFR 800), ODOT requests information regarding the presence of any known cultural resources in the vicinity of the project. Cultural resources include prehistoric and historic archaeological sites, historic bridges, historic buildings, sites and districts.

Additional information can be obtained by calling Mill Creek MetroParks at 330-702-3000.

Mill Creek MetroParks is commencing a project to rehabilitate the existing Lanterman’s Mill parking lot.  The project goals include improving pavement, curbing, and hiking trails, addressing stormwater by replacing conduit and enhancing natural habitat, and constructing a new concrete entrance plaza.

The project will replace existing asphalt curb with new concrete curb, as well as add an overlay of asphalt pavement.  An adjacent natural area will be graded and planted with native species to detain and treat stormwater for short periods of time.  Also, hiking trails will receive new aggregate and a new concrete entrance plaza will be constructed between the parking lot and existing asphalt trail.  Mill Creek MetroParks will cover 100% of the costs for the parking lot rehabilitation project.

Construction is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 2, 2016, with the project expected to be completed by the end of June.  While the Lantermans’ Mill parking lot will be closed throughout the duration of the project, Lanterman’s Mill will remain open following its normal schedule.  The Lanterman’s Mill overflow parking lot on East Park Drive will be open for use by all Lanterman’s Mill and Mill Creek Park visitors. 

Additional information can be obtained by calling Mill Creek MetroParks at 330-702-3000.