News

Notice of December Board Meeting

The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, December 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the Rossi Auditorium at Fellows Riverside Gardens, in Youngstown. The agenda will be available on the website after 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting. A meeting of the Public Records Commission will be held at 4:30 p.m. at the same location.

As a reminder, all weapons are prohibited inside Mill Creek MetroParks facilities. All members of the public attending the meetings will be required to pass through a metal detection device as part of MetroParks safety procedures.

Mill Creek MetroParks Winter Road Closures

Effective Friday, December 6, 2024 the following roads in Mill Creek Park will be closed to vehicular traffic for the winter season:

  • High Drive, between Chestnut Hill Drive and West Cohasset Drive
  • Chestnut Hill Drive, between Canfield Road and High Drive
  • Calvary Run Drive, between Belle Vista Avenue and Milton Avenue

When closed to vehicular traffic, these roads are available for recreational use for hiking, cross country skiing and sledding. Aside from recreational opportunities, benefits of winter road closures include cost savings associated with snow/ice removal as well as a reduction of negative environmental impacts from deicing salt. All roads will reopen in the spring when the weather permits.

In the winter months, snow and ice can create slippery roadway conditions. Roads with limited shoulders, lack of guardrails and steep grades can become increasingly hazardous for motorists. Always use caution when driving on MetroParks roads.

Celebrating the Holiday Season in Mill Creek Park

Beginning December 6, 2024 – December 31, 2024, the D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens will present Winter Celebration: Festival of Trees, a family-friendly, admission-free event. This year, 75 uniquely decorated trees by local nonprofits will bring magic to the Davis Center for all to enjoy. Visitors will also be able to view the beautiful seasonal flowers on display, find the perfect gift at the Shop in the Gardens, and savor refreshments available for purchase in Kravitz’s Garden Cafe. Experience Winter Celebration: Festival of Trees Tuesday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. through December 31, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. through December 22, closed Christmas Eve, December 24 and Christmas Day, December 25, 2024.

On Saturday and Sunday evenings, December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Fellows Riverside Gardens will feature Winter Nights, a free admission outdoor light display highlighting the beauty of winter. Warm up inside the Davis Center and enjoy the Winter Celebration tree display and special character appearances from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Character visits include Bluey on Saturday, December 7, Elsa on Sunday, December 8, Santa on Saturday, December 14, The Grinch on Sunday, December 15, Buddy the Elf on Saturday December 21, and Santa on Sunday, December 22.

One weekend only, enjoy Holiday Nights at Lanterman’s Mill, an exclusive, night-time look inside the iconic structure, with its unique history and architecture, beautifully dressed in holiday style with garland, Christmas trees, holiday music, and a visit from Santa creating a magical, quiet evening. Holiday Nights will be held on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 5:00 -7:00 pm. The gift shop will be open for last-minute shopping along with hot chocolate and popcorn for purchase.

Festive Finds will take place inside the Davis Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Over 30 vendors will be on-site for purchasing those last-minute gifts and holiday treats. Festive Finds runs Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15 from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.