Mill Creek MetroParks to celebrate ribbon cutting for Julianna Kurinka Children’s Play Area

The public and media are invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 30 at 10 a.m. at the James L. Wick Jr. Recreation Area to celebrate the grand opening of Mill Creek MetroParks’ new Julianna Kurinka Children’s Play Area.

MetroParks officials will present information about this project, recognize donors, and be available for interviews and photographs. The project, a complete site redesign, consisted of numerous components including: demolition of existing infrastructure; adding and upgrading utilities; construction of new play areas, a perimeter concrete walk/curbing, and new sand volleyball courts; installation of new site lighting and furnishings, and rehabilitation of the Thomas J. Bresko Pavilion. The new Children’s Play Area consists of three areas: An Adventure Play Area, Sand Play Area, and Tot Play Area. The proposed wet playground area will be constructed when the fundraising goal is met. Light refreshments and tours of the new Adventure, Sand, and Tot Play Areas will follow the ceremony.

Donors/funders to the project include the Julianna Kurinka Trust, Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, J. Ford Crandall Memorial Foundation, Frank & Pearl Gelbman Foundation, Rotary Club of Youngstown, Thomases Family Endowment, and W. E. Bliss Foundation. Proceeds from the Fitness Together 5K, Mill Creek Maple Syrup sales, and MetroParks’ Green Cathedral Half Marathon/5K were designated to support this project as well.