Temporary Closures Due to Storm Damage

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09/01/26: Smythe Island and Davies Wetland Trail is Now Open. After weeks of cleanup from the July 5, 2026, tornado and storm that directly impacted the southern section of Mill Creek Park, Smythe Island and the Davies Wetland Trail at Newport Wetlands have reopened for public use. MetroParks personnel worked diligently to address fallen and damaged trees that impacted the island, picnic areas, hiking trail, and boardwalk trail throughout this section of the Newport Wetlands. Reopening of Smythe Island marks the completion of storm cleanup in Mill Creek Park north of Shields Road. Park patrons are reminded to stay on designated trails throughout this and all areas of Mill Creek Park.

08/24/26: East Golf Hike & Bike is Now Open. After weeks of cleanup from the July 5, 2026, tornado and storm that directly impacted the southern section of Mill Creek Park, East Golf Hike & Bike Trail has reopened for public use. MetroParks personnel worked diligently to address fallen and damaged trees that impacted the hike & bike trail, parking lots, picnic areas, and connecting neighborhood trails between US Route 224 and Shields Road. Park patrons are reminded to stay on the East Golf Hike & Bike Trail when accessing this area of Mill Creek Park. The Fording Bridge (overflow lot) spur trail, West Golf Drive, and the Mill Creek Golf Course remain closed to all park patrons, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists, until further notice. Please respect the posted closure signage for your safety and the safety of others.

8/6/26: West Golf Drive from Shields Road to Stitt Pavilion is NOW OPEN. Stitt Pavilion and the Recreation Field are also open and accessible to visitors. The Mill Creek Golf Course, East Golf Hike & Bike Trail and West Golf Drive from Stitt Pavilion to Rt. 224 will remain closed until further notice. Please respect the posted closure signage for your safety and the safety of others.

7/20/26: West Newport Drive is NOW OPEN.

7/20/26: West Newport Drive will close Monday, July 20 for storm clean up. The drive will reopen by the end of the day.

7/16/26: West Newport Drive will close on Thursday July 16, to continue backyard tree cleanup related to the recent storm damage. The road will be closed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 17 to allow crews to safely complete the work.

7/15/26: West Newport Drive will reopen Wednesday, July 15 at 4 p.m. However, crews will need to close the road again on Thursday July 16, to continue backyard tree cleanup related to the recent storm damage. The road will be closed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 16 to allow crews to safely complete the work.

7/14/26: West Newport Drive Closure – West Newport Drive will be closed on Wednesday, July 15 while crews perform backyard tree work. The closure is expected to remain in effect throughout the day. Once the work is complete and the area is safe, the road will reopen by the end of the day.

7/9/26: E NEWPORT DR. IS NOW OPEN.

7/7/26: W. NEWPORT DR. IS NOW OPEN.

7/6/26: Due to damage from the July 5th storms, the following areas are closed until further notice:
  • Mill Creek Golf Course
  • W. Golf Dr.
  • East Golf Hike & Bike Trail
  • UPDATE (7/9/26): Smythe Island/Wetlands Area
Please avoid these areas and take alternate routes while crews assess the damage and complete cleanup efforts. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to safely reopen these locations.