Peering into the Ford Nature Center, it doesn’t look the way patrons may remember.
Exposed wood and brick, with floorways covered with dust, are now the norm as it undergoes redevelopment.
“We’re just excited about it. It’s been a really fast spring and summer as far as work here,” said Chris Litton, director of development for Mill Creek MetroParks.
Asbestos abatement began in February with exterior work starting in June.
On Thursday, Justin Shrader, a laborer with United Contractors Inc. of Brookfield Township, was cutting nails that hold floor joists in the basement of the stone mansion, which was built in 1913.
Shrader explained that new support beams will be installed.
A stage house will be repurposed from storage into an education building with a classroom.
Also included in the plans are smaller educational spaces, a rooftop garden, exhibits and a gift shop.
The interior work should be done in about a year.
“This time next year we should be wrapping up and putting the finishing touches on the inside,” Litton said.
Work is being completed in phases for the $3 million Ford Nature Center Redevelopment Project.
Funds are still being raised, Litton said.
Most of the money generated has come from more than 130 “everyday donors,” while larger donations from the Ward Beecher family, Finnegan family and Youngstown Foundation have been gifted to help the project.
Much of the money for the redevelopment was raised at once, and then things plateaued prior to work starting.
As work has progressed, interest in the project has been sparked again, Litton said.
Donors have been inquiring about how the process is moving along, he said.
A collection of photos taken by administration and crews is updated regularly on the park website, millcreekmetroparks.org. Scroll down to “Ford Nature Center.”
Donated to the park in 1968, the Ford Nature Center opened as the headquarters for nature education in 1974.
Since the beginning of work this year, programs normally held at the center have been shifted elsewhere in the park district, while equipment, animals and paperwork have been placed at off-site locations.
https://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.png00Mill Creek MetroParks Staffhttps://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.pngMill Creek MetroParks Staff2020-09-18 08:39:202020-09-18 08:39:20Vision for Ford Nature Center coming to life
Mill Creek MetroParks is accepting proposals for farming operations at the MetroParks Farm.
Proposals are due by noon Sept. 28. Copies of the required lease agreement forms can be acquired by contacting Aaron Young, executive director, at 330-702-3000 or aaron@millcreekmetroparks.org.
Submitted proposals must include the following:
A completed farm lease agreement; including proposed price per acre;
A copy of the required insurance certificates. (See lease agreement);
A copy of a current workers compensation certificate;
A completed statement of qualifications including farming education, experience, certifications, training and memberships;
A completed list of all farm equipment owned/leased by the submitting party;
A list of three references from property owners who have leased farming rights to the submitting party;
A list of all acreage to be farmed in addition to the MetroParks Farm during the same time period.
https://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.png00Mill Creek MetroParks Staffhttps://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.pngMill Creek MetroParks Staff2020-09-02 08:14:442020-09-02 08:14:44Mill Creek MetroParks accepting applications for farm leases
https://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.png00Mill Creek MetroParks Staffhttps://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.pngMill Creek MetroParks Staff2020-09-01 12:33:342020-09-01 12:33:45Improvements made at Mill Creek Park
Vision for Ford Nature Center coming to life
/in Media Coverage/by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffPeering into the Ford Nature Center, it doesn’t look the way patrons may remember.
Exposed wood and brick, with floorways covered with dust, are now the norm as it undergoes redevelopment.
“We’re just excited about it. It’s been a really fast spring and summer as far as work here,” said Chris Litton, director of development for Mill Creek MetroParks.
Asbestos abatement began in February with exterior work starting in June.
On Thursday, Justin Shrader, a laborer with United Contractors Inc. of Brookfield Township, was cutting nails that hold floor joists in the basement of the stone mansion, which was built in 1913.
Shrader explained that new support beams will be installed.
A stage house will be repurposed from storage into an education building with a classroom.
Also included in the plans are smaller educational spaces, a rooftop garden, exhibits and a gift shop.
The interior work should be done in about a year.
“This time next year we should be wrapping up and putting the finishing touches on the inside,” Litton said.
Work is being completed in phases for the $3 million Ford Nature Center Redevelopment Project.
Funds are still being raised, Litton said.
Most of the money generated has come from more than 130 “everyday donors,” while larger donations from the Ward Beecher family, Finnegan family and Youngstown Foundation have been gifted to help the project.
Much of the money for the redevelopment was raised at once, and then things plateaued prior to work starting.
As work has progressed, interest in the project has been sparked again, Litton said.
Donors have been inquiring about how the process is moving along, he said.
A collection of photos taken by administration and crews is updated regularly on the park website, millcreekmetroparks.org. Scroll down to “Ford Nature Center.”
Donated to the park in 1968, the Ford Nature Center opened as the headquarters for nature education in 1974.
Since the beginning of work this year, programs normally held at the center have been shifted elsewhere in the park district, while equipment, animals and paperwork have been placed at off-site locations.
Full article at vindy.com
Mill Creek MetroParks accepting applications for farm leases
/in Media Coverage/by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffMill Creek MetroParks is accepting proposals for farming operations at the MetroParks Farm.
Proposals are due by noon Sept. 28. Copies of the required lease agreement forms can be acquired by contacting Aaron Young, executive director, at 330-702-3000 or aaron@millcreekmetroparks.org.
Submitted proposals must include the following:
Full article at mahoningmatters.com
Improvements made at Mill Creek Park
/in Media Coverage/by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffSeveral improvements have been made at Mill Creek Park.
One is at the most visited site in the park, the Lily Pond.
The installation of a new restroom is now complete, which is a permanent building that can be used year-round.
The project was paid for by a grant through ODNR.
Work has also begun on the interior demo on the Ford Nature Center.
The parking lot at the Flats near the Cinderella Bridge is back open and the improvement project is now complete
Full article at wkbn.com