Ice Skating at the Wick Recreation Area Now Open

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(Youngstown, OH) Mill Creek MetroParks (MCMP) staff determined today that the ice skating rink at Wick Recreation Area is now ready for skating. The rink that was installed over the existing sand volleyball courts is not supported by a refrigeration system making it weather dependent for operation. Due to the mild winter conditions this year, this is the first opportunity residents will have to use the outdoor skating facility.
The Wick Recreation Area is the MetroParks’ outdoor family adventure destination and this winter will be no exception as offerings to the public are increased as a result of sound planning and cost effective implementation. Besides ice skating, there will be sled riding, a fire pit and an upgraded concession stand with more options for food and beverage.

Interested skaters will need to bring their own skates and be reminded to enjoy the facility as outlined by the posted rules and regulations. There is no charge for ice skating or sled riding. For additional details on hours of operation please visit MillCreekMetroParks.org.
For questions and more information about ice skating at the James L. Wick, Jr. Recreation Area, call Mill Creek MetroParks at 330.702.3000.

Mill Creek MetroParks Seeks Public Comment for Road Resurfacing Project

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(Youngstown) Mill Creek MetroParks is soliciting public comment for an upcoming improvement project. Memorial Hill Drive, the historic entrance to Mill Creek Park, stretches from Glenwood Avenue to West Glacier Drive.  The proposed rehabilitation project will improve safety and driving conditions for vehicular traffic, preserve the roadway’s original function, and restore the user experience along Memorial Hill Drive in Mill Creek Park.

 The project consists of furnishing labor, materials and equipment necessary to replace the existing asphalt roadway.  Planing of the existing asphalt concrete between curbs and installation of new asphalt concrete courses will address deteriorated driving surfaces and improve surface drainage.  The roadway will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic during construction of the project.

 The project is substantially funded through the Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Park District Road Improvement Fund.

 Public comment will be received by the MetroParks through Friday, February 12, 2016.  Please submit comments to: Mill Creek MetroParks; RE: Memorial Hill Drive; P.O. Box 596; Canfield, Ohio 44406-0596 or by email to Justin@Millcreekmetroparks.org.

 The project is anticipated to commence in the summer of 2016. Please call 330-702-3000 with questions.

Mill Creek MetroParks to Host 2016 AJGA Golf Tournament

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(Youngstown, Ohio) Mill Creek Golf Course will be the location of an American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) ACDS Junior All Stars Series tournament from June 19 to June 23, 2016. The tournament will feature one hundred 12 to 15 year old boys and girls from around the world. This will be the first time the AJGA has held a tournament in Mahoning Valley.

Brian Tolnar, PGA Director of Golf for Mill Creek MetroParks, served as an integral part in bringing the tournament to the Valley. “This is a great opportunity for the MetroParks and for the Valley. Not only will be we showcasing our Donald Ross designed golf course but many of the wonderful attractions around the area to these families” states Tolnar. The MetroParks and AJGA are working together to prepare for the competitors and their families to travel to the Valley in June by organizing many activities and tours throughout the Valley.

As part of the tournament, four local 12 to 15 year olds will have the opportunity to compete. A qualifier will take place in May to determine two boys and two girls who will be eligible to play in the elite tournament.

The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA provides valuable exposure for college golf scholarships, and has an annual junior membership (boys and girls, ages 12-18) of more than 6,300 junior golfers from 48 states and 50 countries.

AJGA alumni include Jordan Spieth, Brandt Snedeker, Bubba Watson, Webb Simpson, Hunter Mahan, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, Stacy Lewis, Vicky Hurst, Inbee Park, Paula Creamer, Cristie Kerr, Brittany Lincicome and Morgan Pressel.

Mill Creek MetroParks Winter Road Closures

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Effective Wednesday, December 23, 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.

Mill Creek MetroParks presents Winter Celebration: The Forest

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The magic of the natural world comes to Fellows Riverside Gardens this holiday season during Winter Celebration. Upon entering the Visitor Center, guests will be able to stroll through a reimagined forest to discover the enchanting fairies, a life-sized eagle’s nest, and bountiful blooms.

From December 5 through January 3, the D. D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center will be adorned for the annual Winter Celebration event, which is sponsored by WKBN, WYFX, and Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens. This year’s theme, “The Forest” can be experienced by visitors from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesdays – Friday.

Every Saturday and Sunday, the Gardens will be open until 8 p.m. so that everyone can enjoy the Electric Garden, where the grounds will be lit with thousands of twinkling lights. Plus, find that perfect gift at the Shop in the Gardens and savor refreshments available for purchase in the Garden Café. Guests will also be able to experience over 40 live fir trees on display throughout the Davis Center uniquely decorated by local non-profit organizations.

In the spirit of giving, Winter Celebration visitors are encouraged to bring a nonperishable item for the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley.

Mill Creek MetroParks, Fellows Riverside Gardens is proud to present this family-friendly free event. Please note special dates for Visitor Center hours include being CLOSED Mondays plus December 25 and January 1.

For more information, please call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330.740.7116 or visit millcreekmetroparks.org.

Holiday Weekend in the MetroParks

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Kick off your holiday weekend with a Black Friday Sale at the Mill Creek Golf Course Golf Shop on November 27. Stop in from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. to get your favorite golfers something special for next season.

On Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29 visit Lanterman’s Mill for Olde Fashioned Christmas at the Mill. Sponsored by WFMJ and WBCB, guests will be able to see Lanterman’s Mill dressed in holiday finery for this family-friendly, free event. Taste chestnuts roasted on an open fire, give Santa your wish list, watch artisans demonstrate old fashioned crafts, purchase unique handcrafted gifts, and enjoy entertainment by a juggler, balloon artist, and many fine musicians. 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 29 head over to the MetroParks Farm for Santa’s Winter Barn. From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Santa will make a special appearance with some of his unusual animal friends from around the world. Sit in Santa’s sleigh for a holiday picture. The family-friendly free event is in the barn which is not heated, so dress appropriately. There is a $1 fee for the children’s holiday craft.

For more information, about the holiday weekend events in the MetroParks, please visit millcreekmetroparks.org.

Notice of November Board Meeting

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The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks has been scheduled for Monday, November 9 at 6 p.m. at Yellow Creek Lodge (17 Lowellville Rd., Struthers, OH 44471). The agenda will be available after 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

The Public Records Commission will meet briefly at 5:30 p.m. prior to the Regular Board Meeting. The only agenda item is the approval of the RC 1.

For more information or questions, please contact Mill Creek MetroParks at 330.702.3000.

Ice Skating at the Wick Recreation Area

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Thanks to the generosity of the Julianna Kurinka Trust, Mill Creek MetroParks (MCMP) is enthusiastically beginning preparations for the re-introduction of a favorite winter pastime; ice skating at the James L. Wick, Jr. Recreation Area. The existing sand volleyball courts will serve as the platform for the ice skating as they were originally designed to do, with the experience being further enhanced by the existing court lighting and seating.

The Wick Recreation Area is the MetroParks’ outdoor family adventure destination and this winter will be no exception as offerings to the public are increased as a result of sound planning and cost effective implementation. Besides ice skating, there will be sled riding, a fire pit and an upgraded concession stand with more options for food and beverage.

The start and continuation of this winter recreational opportunity will be weather dependent as the skating venue will not be supported by a refrigeration system. Interested skaters will need to bring their own skates and be reminded to enjoy the facility as outlined by the posted rules and regulations. There is no charge for ice skating or sled riding.

“Generations of Mahoning Valley Residents fondly remember the splendor and grandeur of ice skating at the Wick Recreation Area. It is our hope that future generations of park visitors will recall this re-introduced recreational opportunity in the same way,” said Executive Director, Aaron Young.

For questions and more information about ice skating at the James L. Wick, Jr. Recreation Area, call Mill Creek MetroParks at 330.702.3000.

Mill Creek MetroParks Lily Pond Improvement Scheduled to Start

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Improvements to Mill Creek MetroParks’ Lily Pond are set to begin on October 19. The improvements will make the Lily Pond more accessible and enjoyable for users of all abilities. A new arrival area will have benches, a drinking fountain and an information kiosk. A boardwalk will lead visitors from the arrival area to an observation deck overlooking the Lily Pond. A similar boardwalk and observation deck will provide improved access to the Frog Pond. The trail encircling the pond will be rehabilitated and will include a floating boardwalk, a bridge over the spillway and improvements to the easterly and northerly sections of the trail.

Due to construction, the entire Lily Pond area and connecting hiking trails will be closed for approximately 10 weeks.

Substantial funding for the $344,000 project has been provided by the Hine Memorial Fund of the Youngstown Foundation and the Ohio EPA Surface Water Improvement Fund (SWIF). Additional funds for this project have been provided by the J. Ford Crandall Memorial Foundation, Thomases Family Endowment, Luau at the Lily Pond fundraising event, Youngstown State University and several private donations, which have greatly reduced the cost to the MetroParks.
For more information about this project or Mill Creek MetroParks, call 330.702.3000.

Mill Creek MetroParks to present Pumpkin Walk at Twilight

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(Youngstown, Ohio) Mill Creek MetroParks presents Pumpkin Walk at Twilight on Sunday, October 18 until 8 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens (123 McKinley Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44509). Sponsored by Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Experience the magic of the fall season as you walk along the Gardens’ pumpkin-lined paths throughout the day on Sunday. See more than 500 pumpkins carved into jack-o-lanterns from 15,000 pounds of pumpkins. Starting at 5:30 p.m., families can enjoy live entertainment, refreshments and children’s activities. This event is free and open to the public.

On October 15, 16, and 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., help carve pumpkins for display at Pumpkin Walk.  Carving area is in the Service Building which may be chilly, so dress appropriately. Carving tools will be available or bring your own. Groups of 10 or more should call ahead.

For more information, please call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330.740.7116 or visit millcreekmetroparks.org.