Mill Creek MetroParks Seeks Public Comment for Bridge Rehabilitation Project

Mill Creek MetroParks is soliciting public comment for an upcoming improvement project. Rogers Bridge and Orchard Meadow Bridge are two historic stone arch bridges located along Bear Creek in Mill Creek Park. The proposed rehabilitation project will improve the experience and safety for vehicular and non-vehicular traffic, preserve the bridges’ original function, and restore their aesthetic appeal.

The project consists of furnishing labor, materials and equipment necessary to clean, repair and tuck point stone masonry, construct retaining curbs and replace the pavement over the bridge with asphalt concrete, a waterproof paving mat, and underdrains. The bridges will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic during various construction phases of the project.

The project is substantially funded by a Federal Highway Administration Transportation Alternatives Grant.

Public comment will be received by the MetroParks for a period of thirty (30) days from this posting. Please submit comments to: Mill Creek MetroParks; RE: Slippery Rock Bridge; P.O. Box 596; Canfield, Ohio 44406-0596.

The project is anticipated to commence in the summer of 2015. Please call 330-702-3000 with questions.

New Mill Creek MetroParks Board of Park Commissioners to Take Oath of Office

Mahoning County Probate Judge Robert N. Rusu Jr. will administer the oath of office to his appointments to the Mill Creek MetroParks Board of Park Commissioners next week. Judge Rusu will conduct the swearing in ceremony at the beginning of the Board of Park Commissioners meeting on Monday, January 12 at 6 p.m. at the MetroParks Farm (7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd., Canfield, 44406).

John Ragan of Canfield is being re-appointed as a member of the Board of Park Commissioners, a position he has held since 2010. Judge Rusu has also appointed Scott R. Schulick of Youngstown as the newest member. Both appointments are for three-year terms that commence on January 1, 2015, and run through the end of 2017.

Judge Rusu said he is very excited for the community and the MetroParks, “we are starting a new year with a new Executive Director and a new Board of Park Commissioners. These are energetic individuals with fresh ideas who are looking forward to working with the great staff and employees of the park to move it into the future.”

MCMP Outdoor Education Manager Ray Novotny Receives Two National Awards

Mill Creek MetroParks Outdoor Education Manager Ray Novotny has received both the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Meritorious Service Award and the Thomas Say Naturalist Award of Excellence for Outstanding Event or Program. The awards were presented at NAI’s national workshop in November in Denver, Colorado. NAI recognizes excellence in interpretation through their professional awards program. Ray has worked for Mill Creek MetroParks since 1985 and is a Life Member of NAI.

awardsEach year the Meritorious Service Award honors members who have performed extensive and invaluable service to NAI, especially on the national level. “Ray has dedicated himself to preparing and submitting nominations to honor those special individuals among us. He has done this year after year; with little more than a simple thank you so that the interpretation community is aware of their individual achievements. He has continued with this mission with no desire to self-promote or to receive any recognition. His only purpose has been to expose his colleagues doing good work to the greater membership of NAI,” said Cem Basman, NAI Vice President for Administration, who nominated Ray for the award.

“Award nominating has evolved into my unique niche in life,” said Ray. “I submitted my first ever nomination in 1985, and after about a dozen successes began to increase my efforts substantially in 2000. It’s a privilege for me to serve as the catalyst for well-deserved recognition. I deeply appreciate NAI ‘turning the tables’ on me.”

The Thomas Say Naturalist Award of Excellence, bestowed by NAI’s Interpretive Naturalist Section, strives to honor naturalists who have demonstrated the highest accomplishments of the profession and have inspired greater understanding, awareness, and stewardship of our natural resources. The award was presented to Ray for his Reptile Exhibit/Bug Day programs. “These have been my signature events for decades, and I hope will be my legacy,” said Ray. “I would like to share this award with all of my past and present MetroParks colleagues, volunteers, exhibitors, and visitors who helped make these special events so successful.”

This award is named after self-taught naturalist Thomas Say (1787-1834), who identified more than 1,500 species of insects and animals unique to North America and was a brave naturalist who helped blaze a trail for future naturalists. This award program is named in his honor, as are numerous species such as (a western bird) Say’s Phoebe, Sayornis saya. He represents innovation, commitment, and a passion to contribute to science.

“Both awards speak to the level of excellence that Ray exhibits as an interpretive professional, which in turn serves to reflect on the level of professionalism of our MetroParks naturalist staff led by Ray,” said Carol Vigorito, Mill Creek MetroParks Recreation and Education Manager. “We are all so proud of Ray. These awards are much deserved.”

 

About the National Association for Interpretation (NAI)

The National Association for Interpretation (NAI) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) professional association for those involved in the interpretation of natural and cultural heritage resources in settings such as parks, zoos, museums, nature centers, aquaria, botanical gardens, and historical sites. For more than 50 years, NAI and its parent organizations have encouraged networking, training, and collaboration among members and partners in support of our mission: inspiring leadership and excellence to advance heritage interpretation as a profession. NAI’s growing network of members includes volunteers, docents, interpreters, naturalists, historians, rangers, park guards, guides, tour operators, program directors, consultants, academicians, planners, suppliers, and institutions. NAI has 5,000 members in over 30 countries with three international affiliate organizations: NAI-Greece, NAI-Korea, and NAI-China. For more information about the November workshop or the organization, contact NAI Executive Director, Margo Carlock in Ft. Collins, Colorado. (1-888-900-8283) or visit our website at www.interpnet.org.

 

Notice of Special Board Meeting

The Mill Creek MetroParks Board of Park Commissioners will hold a special board meeting Thursday, December 18 at 6 p.m. at the Mill Creek MetroParks Administration Building (7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Canfield, OH 44406) to consider the appointment, employment, and compensation of a new executive director.

Aaron Young to Succeed Dennis Miller as Executive Director of Mill Creek MetroParks

After a thorough interview process of more than 27 candidates, then narrowing to three qualified applicants, the Board of Park Commissioners has selected Aaron Young to succeed Dennis Miller as Executive Director of Mill Creek MetroParks (MCMP).

Attorney Lou Schiavoni, President of the Board of Park Commissioners, stated that Young was selected after an extensive search. “Aaron already has experience in a leadership role at a major park system which was an important consideration. His expertise, qualifications, and accomplishments further contributed to our decision. We are fortunate to attract a candidate such as Aaron who comes from a park district similar in size to the MetroParks.”

Young has been the Director of Planning and Operations for the Geauga Park District since September 2014. He began at Geauga Park District in 2005 as a planner and in 2006 was promoted to Director of Planning. Lou Mucci, former Commissioner of the Geauga Park District Board praised Young. “Aaron Young is an excellent individual and will serve Mill Creek MetroParks well. The Geauga Park District will miss him,” said Mucci. “Aaron is very competent and very articulate. He’s good at conveying details so his people can understand their mission and the community can see vision. The most accurate way to describe Aaron is as a great team leader and great team builder.”

“I want to congratulate the Board on making an excellent decision for the position of executive director,” stated Dennis Miller. “Aaron’s expertise as a landscape architect and his leadership in parks and recreation will be an asset to the MetroParks. I wish him all the best.”

According to Schiavoni, the final details of his employment must be worked out before Young officially assumes duties at MCMP in January 2015.

Mill Creek Golf Course closed for the season

As of November 26, the Mill Creek Golf Course is closed for the season. Cross country skiing will be permitted on Golf Course grounds during the winter months when sufficient snowfall has accumulated. The Pro Shop will remain open during the winter months for holiday shopping and gift card purchases Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Call 330.740.7112 for more information. The Golf Course will reopen in the spring when weather permits. For more information about Mill Creek MetroParks, visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org or call 330.702.3000.

Mill Creek MetroParks D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center Closed on Tuesday

Due to a Youngstown City water problem at McKinley Avenue and Mahoning Avenue, The D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center along with the Garden Café will be closed on Tuesday. Fellows Riverside Gardens is still open to visitors.

Mill Creek MetroParks to present Pumpkin Walk at Twilight

Mill Creek MetroParks and Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens present Pumpkin Walk at Twilight on Sunday, October 19 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens (123 McKinley Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44509). Sponsors for the event are WFMJ/WBCB and Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley.

Experience the magic of the fall season as you walk along the Gardens’ pumpkin-lined paths while day turns to night. See more than 500 pumpkins that were carved into jack-o-lanterns from 15,000 pounds of pumpkins. Families will enjoy live entertainment and children’s activities. This event is free and open to the public.

On October 16, 17, and 18 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., have fun helping to carve pumpkins for display at Pumpkin Walk. Carving area is in the Service Building which may be chilly, so dress warm. Carving tools will be available or bring your own. (While supplies last)

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

A Taste of Comfort event to be held at Lanterman’s Mill

CLARIFICATION: Admission for this event is not $5 as was stated in the original release. Tasting tickets are 6 for $5 which includes admission to the Mill. Updated release below.

A Taste of Comfort  event to be held at Lanterman’s Mill

The Taste of Comfort event will be held at Lanterman’s Mill on October 12 from noon – 4 pm. Tasting tickets are 6 for $5 which includes admission to the Mill. This event is presented by contributors to the Recipes of Youngstown cookbook. Samples of comfort food will be available as well as a basket raffle. All proceeds from the event will benefit the preservation of Lanterman’s Mill.

The Recipes of Youngstown cookbook is available for sale at Lanterman’s Mill, Mill Creek MetroParks Administrative Office, Ford Nature Center and Fellows Riverside Gardens. Cookbooks are $18 each plus tax, and all proceeds benefit the preservation of Lanterman’s Mill.

 

A Taste of Comfort event to be held at Lanterman’s Mill

The Taste of Comfort event will be held at Lanterman’s Mill on October 12 from noon – 4 pm. Admission is $5. This event is presented by contributors to the Recipes of Youngstown cookbook. Samples of comfort food will be available as well as a basket raffle. All proceeds from the event will benefit the preservation of Lanterman’s Mill.

The Recipes of Youngstown cookbook is available for sale at Lanterman’s Mill, Mill Creek MetroParks Administrative Office, Ford Nature Center and Fellows Riverside Gardens. Cookbooks are $18 each plus tax, and all proceeds benefit the preservation of Lanterman’s Mill.