There is a beautiful, amazing park in Youngstown, Ohio. It is filled with continuous beauty, education and recreation.
The park was founded by Volney Rogers in 1891 as the first park district in Ohio. In 2000 Volney Rogers was inducted posthumously into Ohio’s Natural Resources Hall of Fame for his role in establishing Ohio’s park districts. The park officially opened in 1893.
Bruce Rogers (Volney’s brother) became the first Mill Creek Park superintendent. Mill Creek Park spans from the near west side of Youngstown to the neighboring Boardman Township.
I often hiked around the park in my college days enjoying some of the more challenging paths. Now I run along Lake Newport watching geese, ducks and blue herons. My children enjoy the many activities that are offered throughout the year. There is an Easter Egg Hunt for children of all ages followed by an egg tossing contest for kids and adults. During the summer there are concerts at The Morley Pavilion, music for every taste; country, jazz, blues, rock and roll. In October everyone is welcome to carve a pumpkin for the Great Pumpkin Walk. Thousands of pumpkins are carved and decorated in every way possible, all lit up and placed in the Flower Gardens. Also during October there is a costume contest for pets and people at Morley Pavilion.
In December you can visit Santa at Lanterman’s Mill. You will also find many local artists selling their work while chestnuts are roasting outside near the covered bridge.
If you are not interested in tackling a winter hike with the kids a trip to Ford Nature might be up your alley. They have educational programs for children, a resident owl, snakes and turtles.
There really is something for everyone. For those who enjoy physical activity there is yoga, T’ai Chi, hikes, bird walks, golf and tennis. If you enjoy a less active hobby there are knitting groups, flower shows, gardening classes and much more. How about an adult beverage while listening to a band and sitting on a flower filled patio? I think our next date night will be just that.
MetroParks Farm is a 402-acre working farm that promotes agriculture through educational programming, tours, display areas and children’s playroom. From the 1910s, the property served as the Mahoning County Experimental Farm. The Ohio State University managed it until 1990, researching improvements in planting, livestock production, and pest management. Since 1990, in line with its mission to preserve open space, Mill Creek MetroParks has operated the property under a lease from Mahoning County.
Near the farm is a beautiful trail, The Mindy Henning Memorial Trail. I love this trail; it weaves in and out of the woods, into open fields and around a scenic lake. My dogs love to run along this trail and admire all the squirrels and birds. Many students from Youngstown State University spend time in Mill Creek Park when taking a break from their studies. Come and visit Mill Creek Park, the gem of Youngstown, Ohio.