Nancy & Bruce Beeghly, D.D. & Velma Davis to be honored with Volney Rogers Legacy Award

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Mill Creek Park Foundation will recognize honorees at Award Celebration

The Mill Creek Park Foundation will honor Nancy & Bruce Beeghly and D.D. and Velma Davis/The Davis Foundation for their dedication to Mill Creek MetroParks at the Volney Rogers Legacy Award Celebration. Mr. & Mrs. Beeghly and Mr. & Mrs. Davis will be recognized during a dinner on Friday, January 31 at the D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Mrs. & Mrs. Beeghly will be present to accept the award. D.D. & Velma Davis will be honored posthumously.

Nancy & Bruce Beeghly have been longtime supporters of Mill Creek MetroParks. Bruce Beeghly holds honorary doctoral degrees from Youngstown State University and Westminster College. He has served on public education boards for the past 25 years including the Ohio Board of Regents. Currently, Mr. Beeghly serves on the board of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley and is the Chair of the Community Leadership Council of Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. Nancy Beeghly was an English teacher at Boardman High School and holds an honorary doctoral degree from Westminster College for community services. She later served on the College’s Board of Trustees. Mrs. Beeghly currently serves on the communications committee for the Beatitude House, and the boards of the Buechner House, YSU English Festival and Juvenile Justice Center. Nancy & Bruce have been married for 46 years and have three children.

The legacy of David Dale (D.D.) Davis and his wife Velma continues to support Fellows Riverside Gardens to this day. D.D. and Velma founded D. D. Davis Construction in 1946. One of the many projects that Davis Construction completed in the Mahoning Valley is the D. D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Not only did Mr. Davis oversee the construction but donated his time, talent, and financial resources to the project, which opened in 2000. D.D. served as Chair of the Board of the Rescue Mission and served on the boards of Band One of Youngstown and The Butler Institute of American Art. Both D.D. and Velma were active in the First Covenant Church of Boardman. Mr. Davis passed away in 2002, and Mrs. Davis in 2007. They had two daughters, one of whom is deceased, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Special recognition will also be given to the Juliana Kurinka Trust, Mary Alice Schaff, and Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens. PNC, Agland Country Store, MAX-FREEZE, Fred Martin Ford Mercedes Ben and Jack Weller will also be recognized for their support.

Tickets for the Volney Rogers Legacy Award Celebration are $75, proceeds to benefit the Mill Creek Park Foundation. Cocktails will be at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling Mill Creek MetroParks at 330.702.3000.

 

About the Volney Rogers Legacy Award

Created in 2006, this award has only been given out twice in the history of the MetroParks. It is not an annual award, but is reserved for those whose support and dedication to the mission of Mill Creek MetroParks has been significant. These individuals provide advice, funding, and assistance that goes above and beyond.

Mill Creek MetroParks’ Sled Hill is Closed January 6 and January 7

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Due to the dangerously low temperatures and wind chill, Mill Creek MetroParks is officially closing Sled Hill and the Warming House at the Wick Recreation Area (on the corner of McCollum Road and Belle Vista). Sled Hill, along with the Warming House is closed Monday, January 6 and Tuesday, January 7.

The Weather Forecast Calls for Enjoying the Great Outdoors

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Winter weather conditions are perfect to take your family to Mill Creek MetroParks’ Wick Recreation Area (intersection of Belle Vista and McCollum Rd). Sled Hill is open daily, weather permitting, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. This popular sledding hill is lighted and features an outdoor fire pit next to the Thomas J. Bresko Pavilion. Younger sled riders can use the Hobbit Hill, reserved for children 48” and under.

If you get too cold or need a break from sledding, you can visit the Snack Bar inside the Warming House for a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, cold beverage or snack. There are restrooms inside the Warming House along with a gas fireplace. The Warming House is open Monday through Friday 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9:30 p.m.

For the sledding schedule or more information, call Mill Creek MetroParks at 330.740.7114.

About Mill Creek MetroParks

Mill Creek Park was established in 1891 by Volney Rogers as the first park district in Ohio. In 1989, the diverse lands now known as Mill Creek MetroParks officially became a metropolitan park district, providing visitors of all ages the opportunity to relish “the gem” of Mahoning County. From the casual visitor to the local explorer, Mill Creek MetroParks offers a natural escape and recreational activities for the enjoyment of all ages.

The mission of Mill Creek MetroParks is to provide park, recreational, and open space facilities of regional significance. In fulfilling this mission our objectives are to be responsive to community needs; to be environmentally sound; to be adaptable; and to be economically feasible.

To explore, experience and enjoy the all-new Mill Creek MetroParks, please visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org or call 330.702.3000. Like us on Facebook at (Mill Creek MetroParks) and follow us on Twitter (@MillCreekMetro) and Instagram (millcreekmetroparks).

Winter Celebration – A Garden Conservatory

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From December 7 through January 5, the D. D. and Velma Davis Education and Visitor Center will be adorned with the best floral displays in the Valley for the annual Winter Celebration event. This year’s theme, “A Garden Conservatory” can be experienced from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day except Monday. Upon entering the Visitor Center, guests will immediately be greeted by an outdoor setting with evergreen trees, “snow” and plants. Hanging from the ceiling in the “conservatory” are ivy plants, kissing balls and decorative globes. An indoor gazebo which also features ivy plants, an 8ft. live poinsettia tree and an indoor fountain complete the theme.

The young and young at heart can experience the Children’s Greenhouse, where they can see, feel and touch the many plants growing there and learn about the important role that plants play in our daily lives. Over 45 holiday trees grace the lower level, each with its own motif. All the trees were decorated by local nonprofit organizations and reflect their service and mission.

The Weller Gallery exhibit showcases the work of James Michael and Company with exquisite hand blown glass of all shapes and sizes. Plan to have lunch in the Garden Café (11 a.m. – 3 p.m., daily) overlooking Lake Glacier and feel the warmth of the fireplace set in the Café for the holiday season. Wander into the Antonucci Horticulture Library and see the tree with handmade clothing and accessories by the Loose Knit Group, where all items will be donated to those in need. Your visit would not be complete without a stop in the Shop In The Gardens. Holiday finery, home decor, local cards, MetroParks images and books make wonderful gifts. A line of merchandise by artist Gary Bukovnik, along with winter blooming bulbs, is available for purchase.

The Winter Celebration does not end in the Visitor Center. Fellows Riverside Gardens will bring the holiday spirit outdoors during the Winter Nights, Sundays, December 15, 22 and 29 from 5 – 7 p.m. On these nights, visitors can stroll outdoors in the gardens, where an exciting light display and illuminated paths will expose a Gardens experience not normally found during the warm weather days. Inside, visitors will hear the sounds of music, taste hot cocoa and share in an activity in the Children’s Greenhouse.

For those wishing to make the evening more eventful, the Garden Café will serve dinner by The Georgetown on the Winter Nights – reservations are required and seating is limited. Call 330.740.7074 for details.

Mill Creek MetroParks, Fellows Riverside Gardens is proud to present this month-long free event. Please note special dates for Visitor Center hours: OPEN December 24, 30 and 31. CLOSED December 23, 25 and January 1.

Mill Creek MetroParks Rebranding Effort Continues with Launch of New Website

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MillCreekMetroParks.org will provide an interactive and informational opportunity for visitors to explore, experience and enjoy the MetroParks online.

Mill Creek MetroParks announces today the launch of their new website, www.millcreekmetroparks.org. “The introduction of the newly designed website, offers quick and easy access to essential MetroParks information while creating a more interactive and user-friendly experience. The restructured website offers a clean, modern look while providing opportunities for residents to explore, experience and enjoy the vast amount of opportunities the MetroParks offers,” said Executive Director Dennis Miller.

The new home for Mill Creek MetroParks online is a comprehensive resource of everything the MetroParks has to offer. Key features to the new website include:

  •  A responsive layout, that provides optimal mobile viewing on smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices
  • Interactive map feature identifying landmarks and points of interest within the park
  • Updated calendar of events including additional program details
  • Enhanced images and galleries of all major areas of Mill Creek MetroParks
  • Incorporation of the MetroParks social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter
  • Opportunity to incorporate video content including a new, 6-minute informational video about Mill Creek MetroParks’ past, present and future
  • Increased functionality to make reserving facilities or making tee times easier and faster

Miller added, “The new website is part of an ongoing effort to establish a new brand identity for the MetroParks.” In August 2013, Mill Creek MetroParks unveiled a new brand logo, which has since been incorporated across all areas within the park system. The branding initiative will continue throughout the remainder of 2013 as well as through 2014.

For over 120 years, Mill Creek MetroParks has preserved open spaces and provided recreational activities to residents of Mahoning County. “It is our goal to deliver a modern message for Mill Creek MetroParks in a unified, interactive and informative manner that accurately represents and attracts residents and visitors of Mahoning County to the park,” said Miller.

About Mill Creek MetroParks
Mill Creek Park was established in 1891 by Volney Rogers as the first park district in Ohio. In 1989, the diverse lands now known as Mill Creek MetroParks officially became a metropolitan park district, providing visitors of all ages the opportunity to relish “the gem” of Mahoning County. From the casual visitor to the local explorer, Mill Creek MetroParks offers a natural escape and recreational activities for the enjoyment of all ages.

The mission of Mill Creek MetroParks is to provide park, recreational, and open space facilities of regional significance. In fulfilling this mission our objectives are to be responsive to community needs; to be environmentally sound; to be adaptable; and to be economically feasible.

To explore, experience and enjoy the all-new Mill Creek MetroParks, please visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org or call 330.702.3000. Like us on Facebook at (Mill Creek MetroParks) and follow us on Twitter (@MillCreekMetro) and Instagram (millcreekmetroparks).

GRAND OPENING – Mill Creek Golf Course Practice Range

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A grand opening celebration will be held on Wednesday, July 17, to formally launch the much-anticipated Mill Creek Golf Course Practice Range.Continue Reading GRAND OPENING – Mill Creek Golf Course Practice Range

MCMP Strategic Plan/Action Plan Now Available

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First there were focus group meetings in December of 2011. Those were followed by public open houses, a mail survey and interviews with community leaders during the first half of 2012. A needs assessment was conducted and demographic studies were completed. All of the information was compiled into the 2013 Strategic Plan, a comprehensive document that will guide the MetroParks through the next ten years.Continue Reading MCMP Strategic Plan/Action Plan Now Available