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Mill Creek MetroParks Cancellations and Closures Extended Through May 1

In support of the recommendations from the Governor’s Office, the Ohio Department of Public Health and the Center for Disease Control regarding the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus and to protect the health, safety and welfare of our employees, volunteers and visitors, Mill Creek MetroParks is extending the cancellations of all previously scheduled programs, golf clinics/programs, events, lectures and facility rentals through May 1, 2020. Several indoor/outdoor public facilities will remain closed through May 1, 2020. In the event a registration fee or rental fee was paid, a full refund will be processed.

The following Mill Creek MetroParks indoor/outdoor locations will be closed to the public:

  • MetroParks Farm Education Building and Animal Barns
  • D. & Velma Davis Education and Visitors Center
  • All Pavilions, Cabins & Reservable Shelters
  • Yellow Creek Lodge
  • Lanterman’s Mill
  • Wick Warming House
  • Administration Office
  • Mill Creek Golf Course
  • All Basketball Courts
  • All Playgrounds
  • All Tennis Courts
  • All Ball Fields
  • Dek Hockey Rink – located at Wick Recreation Area

Various Mill Creek MetroParks outdoor locations will remain open including Mill Creek Park, Fellows Riverside Gardens, MetroParks Bikeway, James L. Wick Recreation Area, Scholl Recreation Area, Yellow Creek Park, Walking Trails, Golf Cart Paths for walking, and All Nature Preserves.

The MetroParks urges visitors to follow all guidelines from state and local health officials, such as social distancing, not congregating in large groups, and practicing good hygiene, as well as suggesting non-use of items such as handrails, park benches, and other areas frequently touched  to help flatten the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19.

Future of public parks amid coronavirus pandemic

With the weather warming up and most activities put on hold, public parks are one of the few places for people to go…but it isn’t just by nature they’re open.

“We really do urge people to follow the guidelines, use the social distancing, make sure that you’re at least six feet away.” says Jaime Yohman, Community Engagement Director at Mill Creek Metroparks.

On Monday, Ohio governor Mike DeWine hinted at a possible shutdown of parks, due to many reports of people not practicing social distancing.

“It is such a great asset that we have in our community, and we would really hate to see it be closed because people are not following the rules and guidelines that are put into place by the governor.”, Yohman added.

Boardman police also have their hands full overseeing the parks, making it hard to respond to those in need.

“The less traffic out there, the less we have to potentially interact with them…the more that happens, the more our officers are in our neighborhoods.”, says Boardman Police Chief Todd Werth., the pain we’re going

The common theme among everyone is the more we do now, the more we’ll be able to do sooner.

“The more we can do right now, the pain we’re going to feel right now, and those kinds of things are going to end this quicker, and let us get back to a sense of normalcy.”, added Werth.

Full article at wfmj.com

Mill Creek Park becomes escape from quarantine and stress

Even with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s stay-at-home order, trips to the park are allowed. If you keep your distance from other people, getting outside can be a nice way to forget about the virus lurking around us.

On Wednesday at Mill Creek Park’s Daffodil Meadow, white and purple crocuses mingled with the yellow daffodils, forcing people to break from their walks to take pictures.

“It’s relaxing,” Joanne Forsythe said. “It just kind of clears your head.”

A mile away, the park’s East Golf Hike and Bike Trail was busier than normal.

“I’m tired of sitting in the house, cleaning cupboards, closets, drawers and decided to go for a walk in the park,” Forsythe said. “It’s beautiful out here. And tired of looking for toilet paper.”

A mile-and-a-half from the bike trail at Boardman’s Good Hope Lutheran Church, Pastor Bob Quaintance was passing out consecrated communion wafers in bags of 10 to be used as his congregation watches the Wednesday evening and Sunday morning services streamed online.

“We’d like our people to be able to participate in worship and communion,” he said. “Word and sacrament is an important part of our liturgy as Lutherans.”

Pastor Bob said online streaming has gone well. On Saturday, he even streamed a funeral service.

“We had over 500 people ‘attend’ the funeral service for their friend who couldn’t have been there because they were following the governor’s advice and staying home.”

He’s looking to buy a camera to replace the iPhone that’s currently being used.

Boardman-based psychologist Dr. Nicole Rantilla was also at the park Wednesday.

“I’m seeing a huge increase in anxiety and stress,” she said.

Rantilla, who is now doing teletherapy sessions, had some advice for everyone:

“To be kind to themselves, to take care, to show themselves grace. Not to feel pressured to do a bunch of stuff because you’re home and also to be kind to yourself if you just want to take the day nice and slow, and focus on a task or two at a time.”

The communion wafers at Good Hope Lutheran Church will be handed out again Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Mill Creek Park will be open again as well.

Full article at WKBN