Mill Creek MetroParks Winter Road Closures

/in , /by

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

/in /by

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

/in /by

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

/in /by

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

/in /by

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

/in /by

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

/in /by

(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.

Mill Creek MetroParks hosts Family Halloween Bash at the Mill

/in /by

(Youngstown, Ohio) Mill Creek MetroParks will host the Family Halloween Bash at Lanterman’s Mill on Saturday, October 24 from 3:30 – 6 p.m. Admission is $3 for Mahoning County residents, $5 for non-residents if registered and paid by October 21. Admission for walk-ins (limited space) is $5 for residents and $7 for non-residents. This event is sponsored by WYTV.

Dress in your Halloween finest for a party for all ages! Enjoy music and dancing with Diva Productions, food, games, a costume competition, and more. For more information or to register, call Ford Nature Center at 330.740.7107 or visit our website at millcreekmetroparks.org.

Notice of October Board Meeting

/in /by

The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 13 at 6 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens (123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44509). The agenda will be available after 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

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

Mill Creek MetroParks Installs Pickleball Courts at Yellow Creek Park

/in /by

Mill Creek MetroParks has added two pickleball courts to the existing two tennis courts at Yellow Creek Park. The pickleball courts were added as part of a resurfacing project for the tennis and basketball courts at Yellow Creek Park, located at 17 Lowellville Rd., Struthers, Ohio 44471. These are the first pickleball courts in the MetroParks. The courts are open to the public without reservations and are available for use year-round from dawn to dusk. Equipment rental is not available.

Pickleball is a paddle sport played with a paddle and plastic ball that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. According to the USA Pickleball Association, more than 2 million people play the sport. Many students play it in physical education classes in middle and high schools, and seniors enjoy the social aspects and the ability to stay active in towns and retirement communities. For more information about pickleball, visit the USA Pickleball Association’s website at usapa.org.